Thanks to those of you who prayed for Andrew tonight running The Bear! Some of those texts miraculously made their way off the top of Grandfather Mountain, and I knew people were praying as Andrew was weighing on my heart. Then my phone would not work anymore up there, so I knew God let them go through!
I heard my name but paid no attention until I saw Coach Curcio coming towards me. I don't mean to always think the worst, and I knew Andrew's knee was hurting as were his wisdom teeth. But my first thought seems to be panic, so he told me quickly (because I think Coach knows how I am) that Andrew's knee was hurting; so he was in a van with Coach Weaver. Even though I felt disappointment for Andrew, I was relieved it was not something worse. Andrew stopped around 1/2 a mile and jogged down the road to find Coach Weaver in the pick-up (trail) van. I know that was hard for him, but it was smart and responsible. And I totally trust Coach Weaver and Coach Curcio to take good care of Andrew. So that made me feel better to know he was with him. At the end, he ended up in a vehicle with his high school coach, so he got to visit with everyone.
It was fun to watch the runners come in, and I am the loudest yeller for my friends. Standing in such a majestic place is good for my soul. But my heart hurt a little. I told Pete I have come to depend on these Bear finishes to lift me up and away from all we deal with during the year. He told me maybe I need to look elsewhere. But I told him that that's why The Bear is so special to me. The wonderful races Andrew has had in the past give God the glory. Because we know they are miracles. And I really wanted another one tonight. I have struggled all week, and now I know a little more why. Andrew was fine. He was a little disappointed, but he knew he did the right thing by stopping. He did not want to risk his summer training. It was someone else's turn to finish up there near the front.
Laura sent me some pictures from the start, but they did not come through until we got back to the car. There he was, and he would have finished in that spot if he had run his best time. He jokingly said to add DNF to the pictures if we put them on Facebook (Did Not Finish). So at least he was joking, and I realized I needed to straighten up.
I sent an email to someone dear to me earlier this week with some information on someone we both knew. I thought he would want to see it as we both really liked and respected this man we met in different decades. When I came home from the Bear, I had a message from him. Short and nice and encouraging. And I sit here with tears rolling down my face, because he has no clue how my night has been. Or my week. But he knows so much more about what we deal with in our home than probably anyone outside of our little family. Because he deals with this stuff too - or has in the past. So I know without a doubt that God knows my heart. He knows what I need. And He knew I needed a little reminder that He knows - and most of all, He cares, tonight. And this person responded to my email at just the right time.
Andrew is waiting for medical clearance to get his wisdom teeth out ASAP. They are killing him, and he has been taking Advil constantly the past week. Just another reminder that there is nothing simple about anything about him. But at least the doctor cares to take good care of him. And though I wish life were a little easier or simpler for him sometimes, I want him to be who he is supposed to be. And I am so blessed that I am his mom. I will just keep trying to do a better job - and I don't mean that in a bad way. I just have to keep trying to keep up and looking to God for guidance and not get bogged down feeling sorry for me!
Thanks again for praying. We know prayer works. We can see it so clearly in our lives. Andrew and I are helping at the Grandfather Mountain Marathon this Saturday, so that will be fun for us. He just bounces back and keeps on going. He is a great example for me!
Just some fun facts about The Bear and my boys - not including the years Pete ran!
2008 Andrew 41st (39:13)
2009 Andrew 9th (35:30) Peter 7th (34:38)
2010 Andrew 6th (34:59)
2011 Andrew 22nd (38:09) Peter 10th (36:38)
2012 Andrew 3rd(!!!!!!!) (32:56) (would have made him 2nd place this year!)
2013 Andrew 4th (33:46) Will 11th (36:39)
Another fun fact ~ When Peter was near the front when he was young, he saw Ryan Woods on a turn in front of him and yelled for him and cheered him on (while Peter was running up Grandfather!), because he wanted Ryan to win!
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