Chasing Silver Linings

Mother Nature was slightly cooperative today – when it came to our schedule anyway. Most people had to adjust and do what they could between storms.

This morning we headed up to Marathon (west of Wausau) to participate in the annual Capital City 5K sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. Now Marathon isn't really the capital of anything, but this event usually takes place in Madison. Thanks to COVID, it's virtual again this year but our usual Running to Remember Ben team decided to do it together instead of having us participate individually in our own neighborhoods.

Why do we run (or walk mostly) to remember Ben? He was Jim's cousin. Fifteen years ago this weekend, Ben was killed when a distracted driver in an oncoming car crossed the centerline and hit him head on. The one silver lining was that Ben's organs were donated – giving someone else a second chance at life – and a gentleman named John, who received Ben's kidney and pancreas, joins us in this annual event.

The tough part this year was that Carter is now the age Ben was when he died. Just 23 and freshly out of college with big plans. I don't know how I would survive such a tragedy, not having my baby as he is right now with us for the rest of our days. My heart breaks just thinking about it.

One way Ben's parents and his sister cope with it is honoring his life with this annual event. Not only does it remind us that parts of Ben still live on in others today, it also reminds us that we can give that same gift when we "go," too. Check that organ donation box! You just never know!

This is little Ben, named after his uncle. It's another way Ben lives on, too. 

We're pretty sure he was up there looking over our crowd of 50-plus today because the sun shone while we walked and the rain didn't hit until we were under a shelter at the park, eating our post-walk pizza and ice cream.

Then it poured a ton on our drive home and during a quick stop at Jim's parents to tell them about the event. Later, when it cleared up, I headed down to the town of Rome to catch a waterski show. 

Got through the first half of the show and then it became quite evident Mother Nature was about to unleash some more fun.

I did not hesitate to hit the road and head home. It was a crazy downpour drive again. Uff da.

I'm hoping tomorrow is just a nice, sunny Sunday to spend the day outside without have to run for cover. I can walk a 5K around a track but I'm definitely not equipped to run anywhere.

I hope you're listening, Mother Nature.