Kathleen's Adventures

UPDATE - we have also decided to raise some money for Chester's care, which will no doubt be very expensive. If you want to help out specifically for that, please specify when you send money, and I'll get a separate visa gift card for that, or even just write a check. UPDATE #2 - Tri On The Run has donated a pair of shoes for Danny - he gets to go pick out the pair of his choice...and the owners happen to be dog lovers...I think we've got something good over there!! UPDATE #3 - WOW.  I am blown away by the generosity of friends and strangers alike.  If you don't run or aren't part of a running club, I suggest you join one ASAP!  Emails went out to two big running clubs in the area this morning and the response has been overwhelming.  All people needed to hear was "fellow runner in need" and they were there to help in a heartbeat!  In addition to the shoes from Tri On The Run, Luke's Locker is now rounding up clothes and gear for Danny, ...

A friend of mine lost everything he owned this evening in a fire in Houston.  Thankfully, no one was hurt, and it looks like his dog is going to make it - although he apparently inhaled a lot of smoke while waiting to be rescued. A story about the fire is here , and video is here . He and his family grew up across the street from me in Beaumont, and our families still live there.  I felt completely helpless when I heard about the fire this afternoon/evening, and if you know me, you know I can't stand to sit around and do nothing - while my "ideas" might not always be the greatest, I try.  I'm not one to sit patiently and feel the need to "take action" whenever possible.  Nothing is different this time - hopefully I've figured out a way to help out in a little, small way.  Danny started running recently and loves it.  He was planning to do his first triathlon later this summer.  I don't want him to have to give up his new-found fitness because ...

Interactions with some people – friends, acquaintances, even complete strangers – are such an awesome breath of fresh air. You know the ones – they leave you not only with a smile on your face, but with joy in your heart. I just had one such “encounter” – a phone call from a friend I have not talked to in a while – and it just left me with a little more joy in my heart than was there before we talked. I constantly thank God for people like that, and for such encounters – they can be as simple as a quick hug from an old friend or a wave from a total stranger, or as long as spending a day with someone “who gets you.” I had a similar experience in Beaumont recently on a bike ride. I spent a good three hours riding, talking, and hanging out with someone I have known for a while, but not really known, and I was left just thinking “wow, what an awesome person, and how fun to get to spend time with them.” That same ride I briefly spoke with a couple afterward who also left me with a happy hea...