FEB. UPDATE: Well, friends... yes, I pulled a calf muscle!  It's been 20 days and I've been riding the bike at the gym and getting worked on at the doctor's office.  But!  Today I ran for the first time and it went pretty well.  So, I may still be able to do the half-marathon.  I hope!  I will keep you posted and remain grateful for your contributions.  If I can't run, I will be out there to root everybody on... and maybe I can make it back by the LA Marathon in March?  Stay tuned....  s

 

Once, when our son was 5, I made the mistake of driving by a person holding a "Hungry" sign at the corner... without even looking in my purse.  Jaden said, "Mommy!  You didn't give him any money!  What if he's not there tomorrow??  It will be your fault!"

Of course I used my soothing Mommy voice to say that I didn't have any cash at the moment and that's why we give money to Union Station... so people don't have to hold their signs up in the cold.  I also said that, just because this person isn't here tomorrow, it doesn't mean he has died.  Maybe he will have found a hot meal and a warm bed by then.  Maybe he will even have found some kind people to help him find work so he can support his family.

Jaden was relieved but still suspicious.  In a way, he is right to be... it has been such a tough year for so many families, including ours.  Jaden is learning that supporting the excellent work of Union Station is one way we can show all members of our community that, "We got your back."

Please consider sponsoring me in the Pasadena Marathon... I hope to beat my PR of 3:58.  But mostly, I want to finish the race and I want to help.  I am grateful for whatever gift you can make... or merely for your well wishes.  These bones are getting older, yikes!  Feel free to forward this link to anyone you think might want to contribute.

Love and peace to you and yours this holiday season.  ~Susan + Jaden and Tessa