That's just Potts

I went to the funeral of my dear friend, Parenthia(Potts) Jones yesterday.

I was delighted to see that the service was (SRO), standing room only.  It seemed only fitting that her last race would be a sellout.

SRO for Potts!

A couple of things stood out for me at the service.

A co-worker told a story of the three words that described Potts to him.

If she was doing something unorthodox, he would say "That's just Potts."

If she was doing something that was inspirational, he would say, "That's just Potts."

Creigh Kelly, had been friends with Potts for three decades.  Years ago, she told him that "Martin Luther King had a dream, and so do I."  Her dream was to help people and she did in countless ways.

A mother told a story of how her son had gotten into trouble when he was 17 and had to perform many hours of community service.  She reached out to Potts and asked her if she would work with his son.

Her son was 6' 2" and Potts on her best day in 4 inch heels might have been 5' 0".  She put him to work polishing the brass handrails at the courthouse.

Fast forward 12 years and the mother of this young man visited Potts at hospice she was staying at and she found out that hours earlier her son had come to visit Potts.  That was the kind of impact she had on everyone she met.

One of my favorite memories of Potts is how she threw together "A day to remember 5K", one month after 9-11 to give us a chance to honor those who had been lost on that awful day and to celebrate our country.  My son Adam was 12 years old at the time and Potts told him to register in the running wave for his age group as she knew if he entered in that division he would get a medal.   She always, always put other people first.  That's just Potts!

Love you Potts, I will so miss you.

Happy trails!

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Wordless Wednesday

In Loving Memory, Parenthia(Potts) Jones

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TGIF(Trust-Gratitude-Inspiration-Friday)

We went to the Colorado Rapids game last night with my soon to be son-in-law, Chris and my family. 

I saw this tweet from Chris that he had posted earlier during the day and I thought this was a wonderful intention that we could use not just on the 4th of July, but any day. 

Before the game started Chris, Laura and Adam set up shop giving away red, white and blue beads to the fans arriving for the game.  They were giving the beads away for free to anyone that wanted them and they asked for people to make an optional donation to the fire fighter relief fund that is being managed by the Red Cross.  By the time we headed into the game, they had collected $225.00 for the relief fund.  

Unfortunately, our state has numerous wildfires that are raging across the state.  Last week 19 firefighters lost their lives in Arizona fighting a wildfire.  This was the greatest loss of life of firefighter's since September, 11, 2001. 

This is a cause that matters greatly to Chris.  Chris and Laura are getting married next week and they have set up a special charity registry where all of the money that is raised will be donated  to the Red Cross. 

Please click here if you would like to make a donation to the Red Cross and support the efforts of the firefighter's and provide needed assistance to the families that have been displaced by these terrible fires. 

I am so grateful to Chris and Laura for thinking of others, to cast a beautiful ripple effect in wake of this ongoing tragedy. 

So get out there and make a difference, inspire someone! 

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At a loss for words

Today I learned that a dear friend of mine is under hospice care.  She has been battling stage four cancer of the liver and intestines since being diagnosed three days before Christmas in 2011.

The last time Laura and I saw Potts she was volunteering at a 5K road race.  Her battle with cancer hadn't stopped her from her love of volunteering, from coming out and supporting all of the runners she loves and those who love her fiercely in return.

Laura showed Potts her engagement ring and Potts sweetly stated she wanted to come to Laura's wedding and be a stand for her marriage to Chris.

I don't know if there is anyway that she will be able to come and I know without a doubt if she is able she will be there.

So Potts, here's to you.  The kindness you have shown to Laura and my family has mattered greatly to me.  You have made a difference in our lives.

I love you and am sending love and light and prayers your way.

In love and gratitude....

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A father's worth

I thought this was a wonderful story written by Cynthia Occelli who grew up without a father.

"A child secure in their father’s steadfast care and provision moves through the world wearing an energetic cloak of confidence and protection.

A father is the model of a man to his sons and his daughter’s first love.

We need him."~Cynthia Occelli

So on this father's day I want a send a shout out to my Dad, for taking me to Bronco games and shivering in the old east stands at Mile High Stadium when they would lose to Kansas City 56-3, buying me my first bowling ball at Monaco Lanes, teaching me how to build something with my hands, for teaching me how to work hard and to not quit on myself.

And to all the father's that would swim as far as needed in any storm for their children.

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Wordless Wednesday

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A beautiful ripple effect

Last Saturday  was the grand finale for the 2013 Man and Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

One year earlier, I had the honor of being a part of Cassandra Perkins Woman of the Year campaign and it is a memory that I will always treasure.

I couldn't have possible written a better ending than the one that unfolded.

My son Adam and I sat at the table with Dr. Jeff Matous and his daughter Catherine.  Catherine ran as a woman of the year candidate in 2011 during her freshmen year in high school.

Catherine's ripple effect inspired me to nominate Cassie to run the following year during her freshman year in high school.  Cassie to became the youngest person in the state of Colorado to run as a candiate for this campaign.

At the kickoff event last year Cassie met a young man, Michael Guglielmi who ran for Man of the year in 2013.

Cassie, Ralph and Michael at 2012 MWOY Kickoff

Michael ran in honor of his Dad, Ralph Guglielmi who is a blood cancer survivor.  Ralph is a former Man of the year winner from our chapter so Michael was indeed following in his father's footsteps.

The entire audience was thrilled when Michael was announced as this years winner.  Michael is 17 years old.

I had written last year, that Michael's decision to run was part of the ripple effect that Cassie created during her campaign.

It is the great mystery of our lives as we never know how what we do might touch and change the life of another person.

So from Catherine, to Cassie and now Michael, the seeds you have planted are taking root.  The beautiful ripple effect you are creating is inspiring others to take action and live unbound.

In love and gratitude to these three young and inspirational people.

2013 Man of the Year with Laurie Maeves

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