Running our Races with Purpose

It’s been almost ten years since our eleven children and grands along with about twenty others ran or walked with us in Tulsa’s Route 66 Marathon to honor my husband who had graduated to heaven the Tuesday before.

That Sunday morning we wore our red “Run for Ron” t-shirts. It had all been planned before he surprised us by graduating to heaven just a few days before the marathon. He couldn’t move back then, but we could – so we did. For my son, the little boy who was born with club feet and dramatically healed, ran this 26.2 marathon in honor of his dad. He started out at 7:30 a.m. Our 17-year-old grandson, Braden, ran the half-marathon (13.1 miles). The rest of us started out on our 5K run/walk at 8:00 am. Not many of the rest of us were runners, but it brought such joy to see the solidarity of our group — running/walking with such passion — so appreciative we could.

Once we completed our 5K, we rushed to the Finish Line to cheer for Braden who ran the half marathon in his personal best time ever. He told me he felt his Papa pushing him all the way. When we went to meet up and cheer Ryan on at Mile 16, we got a call from him instead. A man collapsed just in front of him. What marathon runners don’t do, is stop running mid-way through a marathon as it seizes up their legs, but Ryan stopped to help him. He was unconscious and Ryan held his feet and prayed while others were performing CPR for over 16 minutes. He stayed with the man until the ambulance took him away. Later we found out the 27-year old man died during that time. We envisioned that divine orchestration had taken place — even perhaps that my Ron was there to meet that young man when he went to the other side. Later, we would cheer for Ryan as he crossed the Finish Line — not his best time because of the delay — but God’s best time, because he put himself aside and responded to “the call” of God to be there for one of His kids.

This was a sweet memory last Saturday, September 12th, which was my Ron’s birthday. It was an endearing day of celebrating him with my granddaughter, plus my son was running in the virtual 2020 Boston Marathon for his dad and the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Boston which he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for this worthy cause for twelve years now. Unable to hold the live and in-person 2020 Boston Marathon originally scheduled for April 20th, runners were able to receive their bib and make the run within certain dates and qualify for finishing.

I loved my cheer-leading family who showed up to cheer their dad on to another marathon victory. My early morning text cheered him on from Frisco with these words: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” —Isaiah 40:29–31

And, he did it – for himself, his family and his dad. I suspect his dad was also cheering him on from heaven’s grandstands where he was having the ultimate birthday party. And, in my case, I will continue to run (actually, walk) my race with diligence to my finish line where, one day, we’ll all celebrate in grand heavenly style! That's the most important purpose behind running our life races.

We've Only Just Begun

That was one of our favorite songs (released in 1970) by The Carpenters. The characters in the song were a couple, just married, and were looking forward to new horizons, new roads to choose, with so much life ahead of them. We sang that song completely unaware of what lie ahead….but as long as we were together, side by side, we just knew we’d make it through each and every bump in the road that we might encounter. Seems like unrealistic thinking, but it is the ONLY way to live – believing and always hoping for the best, but just in case the worst might come, we’d be able to handle it together. That’s because we placed our hope and trust in the ONE who had already prepared the way for us.

We’re just a little over one week into this new year and this start certainly gives us those feelings -- a certain excitement about the possibilities that are out there for us. We may reflect on the past, but no longer do we dwell there, because we certainly can’t change the past. Looking through the rear view mirror is no option.

It was my 5th year to “Run for Ron” in the Route 66 Marathon, complete with wearing my “Run for Ron” t-shirt, but on the 5th year, while I was running, I clearly got the message “There’s no need to be running for Ron any longer. He’s doing just fine running on his own. It’s time to run your own race – run strong for Donna.” I got it. I had been faithful to keep the past in my present long enough. I was turning a page in my story. I knew that I was supposed to write some new stories and a new chapter. It was time to BEGIN again with the expectation of great adventures and unparalleled blessings up ahead. But most importantly to write some new stories that leave a legacy for those who are following me -- a legacy of "I can" and "I will"

Obviously, I started a new chapter and it seems “Walking/Running/Driving By Faith” is the title of that first chapter. Now, I’ve started my second chapter which includes alone time with my Heavenly Father. I’m cozying up to Him – on purpose. I’ll be spending the next few weeks here in Austin tucked away in a secret place to seek Him with my whole heart. Matthew 6:33 says “Ask, and it shall be given to you; Seek, and you shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” I need answers, wisdom and direction. I know the “Answer Giver”! I’m asking Him. I’m praying for wisdom and direction in this chapter. I’ll be purposely listening and journaling what I hear.

Last week, I shared with a friend about this new chapter of seeking God for direction and she asked “How do you know when He speaks to you?” I responded with “By the gentle nudges, surprises, inclinations, and even the little signs from scriptures, friends’ counsel and wisdom, and all around me, noticing Him in the big and little around me. For example – when my home sold without me trying to sell it, by a friend inviting me to stay in her home while she was away for two months when I still needed to be in Tulsa for commitments, and by other little kisses from heaven that I experience on a daily basis.”

I’m one of God’s little sheep and I expect to hear from Him and then I plan on following where He leads me. John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

As a matter of fact, I am definitely hearing His voice these days. He's telling me to be still and wait on His timing. He's telling me to trust and know that He is God.

At the end of this year of 2017, I expect to glance back at the victories won and the many doors that opened up for me to great opportunities and adventures!

Today, I close the door to the past and open the door to the future. I take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter of my life. I’ve only just begun! How about you?

On a Day Like Today......PUSH, BABY, PUSH!

On a day like today -- November 16th, 2010 -- birds singing, fish jumping in the lake and a gentle breeze blowing into our bedroom window -- the greatest of all sweet celebrations was about to begin! I don't rehash the memories for my sake -- they are forever with me. But, if one word, one phrase, one spark ignites someone's faith from my experiences, it will have been worth the journey.

What started as an idea to get our bodies moving, actually created excitement about the upcoming weekend for our whole family. We had a plan, and we were setting the plan into motion. We would all be together for an early Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 20th. We'd get as many as possible in the bedroom with Ron and enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving meal together with him. Then, when it would get dark outside, we would have the "lighting of the Christmas lights" that had been hung by a crew of family members. We knew Ron would love this night of celebration. Everything was planned to the finest of details. Strategically, beautiful lights were strung on an artificial tree just outside my Honey's bedroom window, as well as on the neighbor's fence and on all the trees at the back of our property. We knew he would love the family being together for such an intimate, sweet family time together. Then the plan was for all of us to run in the "Movement of Gratitude" aka "Run for Ron" in the Route 66 Marathon on Sunday. It was a masterful, brilliant plan!

But, God and my Honey usurped our plan and the "The Master's Plan aka The Perfect Plan" took over. As the days passed toward our big weekend, my Honey seemed to sleep more and talk and eat less. He had always given into my usual "drill sergeant" techniques to get him to eat more. I opened the windows wide and exclaimed "It's a beautiful day!" This morning was different than the days before. This day, he shook his head "no", when I tried to give him just one more bite of his favorite, oatmeal and brown sugar. His mom and sister came by for their usual daily visit. He raised his head and said, "Hi, Mom!", then closed his eyes again. After they left, I tried to give him his lunch -- another favorite -- chicken and dumplings, but this time, nothing doing.

Though I had been hustling around to get the house all ready for our arriving family that weekend, I suddenly knew that heaven was closing in on us and the house and this earth no longer mattered. Peace resonated from his being. Peace overcame me as I resigned myself to "let go, and let God" take over. With all the standing in faith for his healing on this earth before -- today, there was a sense of knowing that heaven was opening its portals for another soldier to come home. Not just his wife, but I knew it was time to be his midwife. It was as though heaven touched earth when I whispered to him, "Sweetheart, I think the 'Welcome Home' sign is up for you in heaven. Go ahead and go there. I'll be okay. I'll catch up with you later. Now, it's time to push, Baby, push! Go home! Push, Baby, Push!" Peace enveloped our room.

My Honey was not leaving home -- he was going home. I knew God loved him so much -- it was time for him to receive the grandest rewards that he so deserved. With all the love I had and have for him, how could I possibly keep him here one minute longer? He earned this. He deserved this. Within just an hour, he breathed his last breath, and ever so peacefully, I saw the most beautiful man I have ever encountered -- both outside and inside -- push through to the other side. Yes, there were tears, as with any close family member or friend who is leaving our presence for a while, yet also tears of joy, knowing pain is over and that we'll be together again one day. I gave him words that I knew the Father was saying to him right now: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of the Lord!" Matthew 25:23. How sweet it was -- all pain was gone as my dashing, beautiful husband was free at last from that weary and broken earth suit.

Did we "lose" him? No, we know where he is! He is not lost. Did we lose our fight? No, we fought the good fight of faith. As St. Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, and finally a crown of righteousness awaits me (2 Timothy 4:7,8).

By the way, we still had our family Thanksgiving on Saturday, the 20th, and we celebrated this bright light that had been in our lives for so many years. We lit up our back yard and all of us watched from Honey's bedroom window -- except, not quite as planned, for Honey had graduated from that hospital bed. We like to think that he was watching from his "room with a view" from heaven itself. He did push through and now he is cheering us on and pushing us to OUR finish line -- where we'll meet up for a grand reunion some day! So, let's PUSH, BABY, PUSH to live life to its fullest, share and be a witness of God's love, and be on purpose to finish strong so that we hear those words "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of the Lord!"

No Need to Run for Ron -- He's Got This!

Day 328 of Photo Inspirations -- No Need to Run For Ron -- He's Got This!

Yesterday, for the 5th year in a row, I ran for Ron at the Route 66 Williams Marathon -- 5K. These photo inspirations are each year's photo, 2010 to yesterday's. In between those years, I did two Route 66 Half Marathons, another Half in Vancouver, BC and another in OKC, and the rest were 5Ks. The 5Ks are where I am right now, but that's not to say, I won't do another Half -- just nursing a leg injury from when I climbed Mt. Everest last summer. NOT! Just nursing a leg injury from two silly falls I had earlier in the year. Sure would have been more glamorous and impressive if I had been doing some audacious out loud feat. LOL!

Doing this run every year has meant so much to me. The first one was planned when my Sweetheart could no longer move his legs because of the tumor that was impinging on his spinal cord. He couldn't run, but we could, Staci was inspired to get the word out about a "Movement of Gratitude". She let our friends and family know: "Dad has no choice but to lie in that bed. Yet our legs are strong and fully able! We need to get in that race and give thanks for what God has given us and get moving.”

So one year ago, yesterday (two days after my Sweetheart's funeral), November 21st, 2010, over 25 of us showed up with our red "Run for Ron" t-shirts. It was the 5th 26.2 mile marathon in 55 days that our son, Ryan, ran, but this time, in honor of his dad. Our oldest grandson, Braden, ran the half-marathon (13.1 mile). The rest of us started our 5K run/walk at 8 am. We were all running/walking with such passion -- so appreciative that we could.

Once we completed our 5K, we rushed to cheer for Braden as he crossed the Finish Line from his half marathon in his personal best time ever. He told me that he felt his Papa pushing him all the way.

When we went to meet up with Ryan at Mile 16 to cheer him on, a call came in, "a man had passed out just in front him". What marathon runners don't do is stop running mid-way through a marathon as it seizes up their legs, but, nevertheless, Ryan stopped to help him. When it was apparent he was unconscious, Ryan held his feet and prayed while others were performing CPR for over 16 minutes. He stayed until the ambulance took the man away. Later we found out the 27-year old man passed away during that time. We knew it was providence that Ryan was there, and even that my Honey was probably at Heaven's gate to greet him when he reached the other side. We cheered for Ryan as he crossed the Finish Line -- not his best time because of the delay -- but God's best time, which IS the BEST time.

I was interviewed by the Tulsa World newspaper reporter about our "Run for Ron". As an exclamation point to our efforts, that article and photo ran in the paper the next day.

Yesterday, running with my friend, brought back sweet memories of these Runs for Ron. But I sensed a message from heaven as we ran. "It's time to stop Running for Ron. He's doing just fine running on his own now. He is no longer in pain and he even has a perfect back, perfect legs, and a perfect body in heaven." I agree. But, I will keep running. I'll do the Route 66 again next year. It's time I celebrate that I'm still here and I can be strong to Run for Donna and finish my OWN RACE! It's time to look straight ahead to what I expect to be MY BEST DAYS on earth!"

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Living in the Joys of Today

Upon leaving the inspiring and encouraging time with friends and family at the Homegoing Celebration for my Honey on Friday, November 19th, 2010, I knew it was time to turn the page for a new chapter in my life. With our children and grandchildren at my side, we would go home and continue the celebration by more reminiscing about the life of my Honey. BUT, WAIT!!!! I just remembered, and I exclaimed, "We need to go to the Tulsa Convention Center to pick up our marathon bibs and numbers. It's right on the way home." We would all be running in the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon on Sunday, the 21st. Originally, we all had planned this day to show my Honey how much we honored him and we were going to move OUR legs FOR him, since he could no longer move his. Now, it would be in appreciation for a life well lived, and to show our gratitude for being able to move our legs. I will never take "being on the move" for granted again.

So, here was the Wuerch Family -- all eleven of us, dressed in our Sunday best -- rather Funeral best -- from the youngest to the oldest (ME) -- at the Convention Center! We stood out in the crowd of those in their athletic or comfy attire. But here we were -- still celebrating the life of my Honey. We were void of sorrow and grief. Folks there would exclaim, "You are all so dressed up. You look so nice. Where have you been?" None of us had the heart to tell them…."a funeral", and I certainly didn't have the heart to tell them, or even to put on the face of "a grieving widow" -- because, I wasn't. Holding my youngest grandson's hand and my granddaughter's hand, I felt so free -- even to the point that I felt a little guilty about this place of peace I was in. For over eleven months, I was locked into my Sweetheart's physical journey to healing. I didn't get the time to run or play with our grandchildren. Today, I skipped, jumped and laughed with them. I could only think about how much my Honey would want this for us. He would want us to be celebrating. He was passionate about instilling this into our lives -- the optimism, the faith, and the "abundant life" that faith in Christ gives us.

Sunday morning, over 25 of us showed up at the Route 66 Marathon, all with our red "Run for Ron" t-shirts on. It felt so good to be so unified. This would be "Five marathons in 55 days" that our son, Ryan, a marathon runner anyway, would run today -- this time, however, in honor of his dad. He wore his red "Run for Ron" t-shirt, and started out his 26.2 miles run at 7:30 a.m. Our oldest grandson, Braden, ran the half-marathon (13.1 miles). The rest of us started out on our 5K run/walk at 8:00 a.m. It was so exhilarating to see our group -- from 15 months old to my 62 years old "Running for Ron". I knew he would be so proud of us all. Not many of the rest of us are runners, but it brought such joy to see the solidarity of our group -- running/walking with such passion -- so appreciative we could.

Once we completed our 5K, we rushed to the Finish Line to cheer for Braden, our 17-year old grandson who ran the half marathon in his personal best time ever. He told me that he felt his Papa pushing him all the

way. When we went to meet up with Ryan at Mile 16 to cheer him on, we waited and waited, and thought we may have missed him, but in reality, we were at the right place at the right time, as Drew -- a member of our church saw us, stopped a moment to pull out a large photo of my husband. He was also "Running for Ron". Perfect timing to meet up with him.

Then we headed to Mile 20 in hopes to meet up with Ryan, then we got the call….a man had passed out just in front of Ryan. What marathon runners don't do, is stop running mid-way through a marathon as it seizes up their legs, but Ryan stopped to help him. When it was apparent he was unconscious, Ryan held his feet and prayed while others were performing CPR on the man for over 16 minutes. He stayed with the man until the ambulance took him away. Later we would find out the 27-year old man passed away during that time. We knew, again, "the right place at the right time" as we knew divine orchestration took place -- even perhaps that my Honey was there to meet that young man when he went to the other side. Later, we would cheer for Ryan as he crossed the Finish Line -- not his best time because of the delay -- but God's best time, because he responded to "the call" of God to be there for one of His kids.

Afterwards, I was interviewed by the Tulsa World newspaper reporter about our "Run 4 Ron". As an exclamation point to our efforts, that article ran in the paper the next day. I'll finish with letting you read this article. To God be the glory and praise and thanksgiving. The first picture below is our family in our "Funeral best" and the next one is the Tulsa World's photo of us. The following words are the caption with the picture and the next section is the article.

"The 'Run for Ron' Family takes a moment for a group photo at the finish line of the Williams Route 66 Marathon. The family had many members run in various races to commemorate Ron Wuerch, who died Tuesday of cancer."

"While many runners said the wind slowed down their times at the Route 66 Marathon on Sunday, one group found the wind to be anything but adversity. "We were giving thanks for everything in our life and the wind was like a fresh breath of air," said Donna Wuerch, whose husband Ron passed away last week.

Wuerch's daughter Staci, son Ryan and grandson Braden - who ran the marathon and half-marathon respectively - and a host of extended family members and friends, were decked out in 'Run 4 Ron' T-shirts.

"This is our way of saying, 'thank you' for our legs, our lungs," Staci said. "Dad had a lot of issues due to cancer, and we just thought it was a nice way to honor him and thank God for our blessings in our life."

Among those running for Ron Wuerch was 32-year-old Gracie Updyke, who pushed her 15-month old son Ryan in a stroller over the 5K run. Runners came from as far away as Canada to support the cause, Works of Mercy, and the Wuerch family.

By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer