Houston Half-Marathon, Part III: My Letter to Landon

Dear Landon,

We did it! We conquered this challenge together, and I want you to know that picturing your face kept me going the entire time. Even though it was hard to walk when it was over, I could have gone a million more miles knowing you were at the finish line.

I hope you had fun on your trip to Houston...there was so much to see:

And that shirt your mom made was just the best:

You and I are so blessed to have a family that loves us so much:

And friends who go the extra mile to show us how much they care:

But the best part of all this, Landon, was you. Through this whole process, people have been telling me what an inspiration I am, but the truth is, you are more of an inspiration than I will ever be. You make me want to be a better person in every way and I would do anything in the world for you. When I took on this challenge a year ago, I wanted to accomplish a lot of things. Yes, I wanted to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but most of all, I wanted to prove a point to you. I wanted to prove to you that a circumstance does not have to define you or make the great things you want to do impossible. It is my promise to you that I will do everything in my power to help you realize and chase your goals and dreams, however big or small they may be.

In a family like ours, we are raised with tons of love, faith, values, encouragement, and support. There will come a day in your life that you will be tested and you'll need to have all of these things within yourself. This past year, I was tested, and I learned that I didn't always believe in myself as I was taught to do. It seemed that everyone I knew believed I could finish this race except me, and that's not the way it should be. Perhaps I was afraid of failure. Perhaps I didn't want to disappoint anyone, especially you. So many doubts and fears could have been avoided by just believing in myself, and you should know how important that is. A wise person once said, "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." This is so true, Landon. You are a special, beautiful, wonderful, and gifted person, and God created you knowing exactly what He was doing. Believe in yourself always.

Another important lesson I learned was perseverance. You will have moments in life...some successful and some that don't feel successful...but as long as you persevere and do your best, the outcome is just an outcome. If I hadn't been able to finish this race, it would have been okay. To know that you do your best at whatever comes your way will make you a better man, whether the outcome turns out the way you want it to or not. Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.

Finally, and most importantly, always know how much God loves you. When life is going great, or when life is not going your way, you will always be able to count on Him. Look for the everyday things He puts in your life and be so thankful for them. He promises you and me, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand." Praise God when you are happy, and lean on him when you are sad...I promise He'll always come through for you.

What a year. What an adventure. I'm looking forward to so many more with you, Landon. You will never know the depth to which I love you, and I speak for our entire family as I write this. No matter what, they have always been there for me, and they will do the same for you. You are an absolute miracle to all of us. Always believe, always persevere, always trust. I love you.

-Aunt Laura

To all my faithful readers who have been so supportive, thank you! Please stay tuned for information on the future of this blog and some special words for you. Love, Laura.