Let's get this party started!

It wasn't too long ago when I received a friend request from a family member who I haven't seen in years but thought about often.  Now, if you are familiar with my family, both sides are rather large.  On my dad's side alone, I have 20 first cousins (with my sister and myself, that's 22).  When you add in my father's cousins and their offspring-I believe that's "second cousins"-it adds183 more (or so--I lost count).  And that's only on his father's side. Needless to say, we have a Zehnder army.  And, just to be fair, my mom's side, while smaller in comparison, has it's very large populace, too.  (Shout out to the Hebens!)

In this army there was one cousin who said no sentences, but spoke volumes.  This cousin was Mark Zehnder.  Our fathers are first cousins and we lived nearby.  With family all over the country and a family so large that I don't know half of them, having a cousin relatively my age and within 30 minutes was actually pretty rare.  Mark was the youngest of 5 kids and was physically very rigid with cerebral palsy.  As I said previously, Mark was very communicative with his eyes, smile, and vocal sounds.  He was very effective at getting his point across.  It was Mark who friended me on facebook. 

I was amazed that I was friended and apalled for not looking him up myself.  "Friend" accepted and we sent a few messages back and forth. 

****

Several years ago, I started training and racing in triathlons.  I had this dream since I was a teenager working at Clague pool; I wanted to race the Cleveland tri.  A good friend I worked with, Andy Schmitz, did it every year.   He ran cross-country, was a great swimmer, and I just assumed he was great on the bike, too.  There was no way I could do it.  Andy was (is) a rock star!

Fast forward about 20 years, now a stay-at-home mom with the ability to train thanks to daycare at the gym, I give it a go an the indoor tri at my gym.  Nothing too challenging: a 10 minute swim, 30 minute bike, and a 20 minute run.  I told myself if I placed high enough (top 5 women), I'd sign up for the Cleveland tri finally.  Well, I did better than that, so I registered!

Little did I know what I'd see when I was there at the race.  Moms, dads, friends, teamed up to support, race for, and sometimes WITH their kids living with cerebral palsy!  I didn't know Team UCP of Cleveland was the official charity of this race.  It now had a new meaning.  Let me just say, if you have never experienced pure joy and excitement, just "people watch" at this event.  It will blow you away.  The cheers, the support, the struggles on some parents' faces as they pull their child in a boat during the swim, pulling them on the bike, pushing them in the stroller all the way to the finish line...  I dare you to come!

I kicked myself for not knowing the charity and not donating.

I suffered regret the second year I raced as I knew the charity, but felt the "woe-is-me, no one will donate" self-defeating talk.

***

This year will be different, I told myself.  I was "friended" by Mark!  I had no excuse.  Mark was an inspiration in what he could accomplish.  Certainly, I could put stuff on facebook and bug my friends and family to donate... then IT happened.

Mark was having some issues in the fall which seemed to stabilize.  "I need to register for the Cleveland tri.  I'll do it tomorrow."  That happened a lot.  More issues happened with Mark's health.  "All right.  I need to register.  I'll do it now."  About that same time, unknown by me, Mark tied on his dancing shoes in heaven. 

The donation page is up.  But keep in mind, I do not race in his memory.  I race in his honor.  He showed us what is possible and exemplified God's joy and love through his eyes and smile. 

I invite you to follow my blog as I train yet again for the Cleveland Olympic distance Triathlon, this time, with a purpose greater than my own.  Six months to go....

If you feel it in your heart to donate, please go here.  If not, please pass the message on...

Here's a little video from last year's race to show you the excitement.