Day One
Day One:
Tomorrow is Race Day. June 6, 2015 was when this all started. Almost nine months to the day, we have been preparing for this and I can’t believe it’s here.
June 6, 2015. I remember sitting at lunch with my mom and sister and I just became overwhelmed with a “want to do” something for Keaton. I had heard the stories about him in the NICU, about how he turned blue a few hours after being born with no prior indication that anything was wrong. I remember Erika telling me how doctors were notifying them that he wasn’t going to make it. He’s a miracle. He’s my miracle.
Once I had this idea in my head that I would run a marathon, everything just took off. Of course my family thought I was nuts, but they also know that once I start something, I don’t quit. Now, I just needed Erika and Kory’s approval.
I wanted to have something to show Erika when I approached her with the idea. I wanted her to see that I was serious and I felt that some artwork would be a nice start. I immediately reached out to my cousin, Brandon. He has created all of the art pieces for this project! Amazing job, my friend. I couldn’t have imagined anything like what you were able to create.
A few days prior to letting Erika in on all the excitement, I had mentioned that I was going to need to talk to her about something important. I just wasn’t quite ready yet. She had no idea what was coming. Brandon and I were able to finalize a few pieces, and the following Tuesday, I convinced Erika to meet me at Starbucks after work.
I, of course, left the office first thinking she’d only be 5-10 minutes. Wrong. Half an hour later she strolls in. I’m a wreck. My heart is racing. I’m sweating. So nervous. I’m sitting facing the entrance and have my computer pulled up, but she can’t yet see what’s on it. She drops her bag and says, “I’m going to get a drink. Want anything?” … “Ugh. No girl. Hurry up,” is what I’m thinking, but instead I politely say, “No thank you.”
Finally, she sits. I start blabbering about how big of an influence she is for me, how much I have loved getting to know the boys, and getting to be in their lives … yada, yada, yada. All is true. The conversation then shifts to Keaton, and how I want to do something for him. I turn the computer to show her the logo and let her know that I want to essentially run a marathon for him. Immediate tears. She’s up getting napkins to dry her eyes. I take her reaction as a yes.
Erika Koehler, you are the strongest person I know. You have easily been the biggest influence in my life over the past two years. I am so very grateful to you and your family for welcoming me as one of your own. You, my friend, are the best example of what I want to be when I grow up. I love you, and I hope I make you proud tomorrow.
