The Medals 4 Mettle Windy 2 Indy run has a lot of reminders of home for me. It starts off at my current home in Chicago, passes through West Lafayette and Lafayette where I lived when I went to Purdue University, passes fields that are a part of the family farm, and finally ends at Clarian North Hospital, where my Grandfather, Robert “Bob” Riggs, stayed right before he died earlier this year at the age of 91.
My Grandfather was the epitome of “mettle”. He worked on the family farm his entire life, all the way through his 80’s. He was a warm hearted but tough guy who earned everything he had through common sense, dedication, and hard work. I remember being in high school and being amazed (and somewhat embarrassed) that my 80 year old Grandfather could outwork me throwing around bails of hay all day.
In my last conversation with Grandpa, I told him about my plans to do a run from Chicago to Indianapolis in June. Knowing that this was likely my last conversation with Grandpa but not wanting to admit it, I told him that I expected him to run part of it with me. He said he would be there, and that he would do as much as he could.
I want to dedicate this run to my Grandfather, and I would like to let him know: I know you will be there Grandpa; you will be there the whole way.
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2 comments:
Very interesting. Good luck on the windy to indy trip, we look forward to seeing you in Indy on Monday!! (I am a nurse at Riley Hospital North.)
Hi Shan, I don't know you personally but heard your story from a nurse at Clarian North Hospital today. My son received one of the medals you dropped off at the Center for Children's Cancer. I wanted to stop by and tell you THANK YOU so much for doing this. I can't tell you how much this means to families like us! This morning my son (who is 5 years old, diagnosed with leukemia 2 years ago) had a spinal tap and the nurse brought him a medal right afterwards and his eyes lit up. I explained to him what it was, and he said "Mommy, I am #1???" It was precious.
Again, thank you for doing this, a huge thanks to your organization too. You guys are AWESOME!!!
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