The Great Treasure Chest!

Yesterday I missed racing in a 5K I haven’t missed in four years.  I’ve missed a lot of races this year and I will miss many more, but this one holds a very special place in my heart.  I run in all kinds of charity runs throughout the year, but none of them mean as much as this one.  I am truly sad I am not able to be there with my family.

Four years ago in October our family was hit by a terrible tragedy.  My ten-year old cousin Grant Schoen passed away from sudden cardiac arrest.  His passing was the single worst moment in my life.  I will never forget those moments in the emergency room with my Uncle Jeff, Aunt Tammy and Cousin Katrina.  I will never forget the days following and the pain we all felt.  There continues to be a hole in all our hearts that will never be filled.  The most memorable for me was Timyra asking why Grant was in a Treasure Chest.  She was right, Grant is in a Treasure Chest.  We are all sad, and I’m having a hard time writing this, but we all do have comfort knowing he is protected in his Treasure Chest in Heaven!  There is no way to truly understand why, but what my family has done is pull together and try to make the best of everyday.

For the last four years we participated in Mel’s Fun Run and Walk to raise money for a charity my Uncle Jeff and my Aunt Tammy created in my cousin’s man, Heart Safe Wisconsin.  This is their cause: Every year in the US, Sudden Cardiac Arrest claims 8,800 children(under 18 years old) and 401,500 adults according to the American Heart Association. That’s more than 26 children and over 1000 adults every single day. Currently survival rates are 10 percent for adults and only 5 percent of children. Together we can make a difference and reduce the number of deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest by increasing public awareness, increasing the number of CPR trained people, strategically place more AEDs in our communities and increasing EKG heart screenings of our youth.  Please visit the website at http://www.heartsafewisconsin.org/.

The first year I ran I finished second.  About a month prior to the run I found out I was pregnant with Taylyn, but we had not made the announcement to our families.  As I crossed the finish line in second my aunts asked why I didn’t win, joking of course, and I blurt out I’m pregnant.  The second year I walked the 5K with my family.  I was recovering from a torn left calf muscle and I enjoyed the walk.  That was also the year my mom announced to everyone my sister was having a baby.  Last year the third year I had no excuse not to win.  I typically race really well at the beginning, that is where I gain all my ground.  I can decently maintain through the middle, but when it comes to finishing, I’m terrible.  There is only one race in the history of all my races where I felt like I really kicked it to the finish and raced hard all the way to the end.  That was last year.  The 5K finishes right next to the cemetery where my cousin is buried.  As I was nearing the cemetary, on the side where my cousin, is a women passed me and in my head I said there is no way I’m going to let you pass me right in front of Grant.  At that point I gave everything I had and never looked back until I crossed the finish line.  I know this is a fun run / walk for charity, but I needed to finish the race strong.

This year I can’t be there, but I raced remotely.  I added the 5k into the long run I normally do on Friday mornings.  I did a nice 5 mile warm-up, followed by the 5k, and then an 8 mile cool down.

The girls went to the run on Saturday and had a great time.  My mom pushed Taylyn and Timyra walked with her.  They enjoyed a pancake breakfast afterwards!

Grant will never be forgotten.  In his short life he touched so many people and his impact is lasting.  The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to face.  It is so terrible, there are not even words to describe the loss.  With the loss of a parent you are an orphan, with the loss of a spouse you are a widow or a widower, but there are no words for the loss of a child.  It is just tragic.  As a family we try everyday to make the most of the treasure we’re given  knowing we have a perfect angle watching over us.  We love you Grant and we think of you always!  We miss you everyday and will never forget the amazing life you lived and the impact you made on many.  Keep watching over us from your Treasure Chest!  Know we are making the most of the Treasure You Gave Use, we’ll always BE GREAT!