We are walking again this year. I have to laugh when I say walking because that is exactly what we did last year; it took us exactly 1:11:11 to cross the finish line! But, boy was it amazing! Kaleb did this 5k about 5 years ago and ran about a quarter of it with someone on his back. Kind of fitting for the weight he felt on a daily basis. Everyone who knows us knows how proud of Kaleb we are; he did everything 100%. He lost his 4 year battle with mental health 5.22.18. I have been asked a few tough questions this past year and I want to share them with you; more importantly my responses / thoughts.
1. If Kaleb loved you.... how could he have done this to you? I am very confident in Kaleb knowing how much we love him and how much pain he knew we would be in.... but, that leads me to understand the magnitude of pain he must have been in every moment.
2. That leads to a second tough question: How are you able to function? It’s not easy; but, I believe that Kaleb is in heaven looking down on us and I want him to not feel guilt or shame..... I want him to be proud of us - proud of our strength, love, endurance, and I want to set a good example for our family and his beloved nieces and nephews so we all join him in heaven.
I share these tough questions, answers, and feelings because to me they fit this 5k / charity to a T. It is about healing, families being together, and fighting the stigma around Mental Health and Suicide! Whether you can afford to donate or not, please come join all of those walking, crawling, or running on 8.17.19......come together and celebrate the lives of those we love and honor their memories, feel comfort by those with similar stories, or connect with someone who can offer a light at the end of your tunnel.
Kelci designed awesome t-shirts again - thank you to those that bought them. Jason plans to cook amazing food at our house after the 5k. Please RSVP via email to jlzebras@hotmail.com for dinner. Love you all!
5K Registration; copy and paste the link below:
https://stompoutsuicide.redpodium.com/sos-2019
