Lurking in the Shadows

(By Tori)
Well, this experience has turned into quite a significant event, coming from its humble beginnings. It all started innocently enough, with Lisa sending me a link to the race website. I was intrigued, noting that the race was near my mom's house, it was advertised as a flat course, and I'd be running alongside the ocean. I was already pretty much sold on it when I noticed there was a charities page and I realized that I could raise money as part of my racing experience. Of course my first thought was that I could raise money for HDSA. Then it all clicked into place ... running a half marathon is exactly the type of challenge that I say Bob helped me learn to embrace, and the race is in his hometown! It was a done deal from there. I excitedly told Lisa that I was going to do it, and she took it a step further, reminding me about the companion 5K, and suggesting that we have Bob's family and friends join in. That way we could make it a large celebration with something for everyone. I'm delighted that it worked out just as we had hoped, and the day turned out just perfect.

I'm truly blown away by the response to my fundraising efforts. I raised almost $1200 for HDSA, and can't thank those enough who donated. I realize that times are tough and everyone has their own charities that are important to them, so I didn't have any expectations about who would donate, or how much I'd be able to raise. The fundraising site had a spot to put a goal and I picked $500 as a stab in the dark, having no idea if that would be achievable. Needless to say I'm overwhelmed by the response.

What really surprised me though was the way people reacted to this project as a whole. I've received so many nice emails, conversations, and general words of encouragement and support. I've heard from people I haven't talked to in ages, and from people I didn't expect to hear from. I've gotten feedback on the ways this experience as a whole, and this website in particular, have touched people. The first time I heard from someone I didn't know really touched me deeply. The thought of touching people's lives that I haven't met really made it hit home how far reaching something like this can be. How much more fitting of a tribute to Bob could there be?

So, the race is over. The hubub of preparation is gone, training is over, and life is settling back down to it's regular rhythm. As it should ... things like this take up a lot of time and energy and are best done in spurts, otherwise they wouldn't mean as much. But one thing Lisa and I were hoping for is that beyond the race this website would continue to be a place people liked to visit, and perhaps contribute to. Maybe foster a little community, or just give people a place to air some feelings or share experiences.

Which leads me to wonder ... who's out there? And what do you think? I know some people aren't comfortable speaking up, and we have no intention of dragging anyone out in the open who wouldn't be comfortable with that. We'd love to have you continue to read anonymously and get what you do out of it, without anyone knowing you've been here. But if you're out there reading and would like to poke your head out with a quick "here I am!" we'd love to hear from you! Does anyone have anything to share? You don't have to consider yourself a writer, or have anything particularly fancy to say. Have you read anything here that struck you? Is there someone in your life who inspires you to strive for more? Have you lost a loved one that you'd like to tell us about? Are you someone who knew Bob who has a story about him to share? Do you have a funny joke or did something wacky happen to you today? Whatever bubbles up ... we'd love to hear it ... if you're so inclined.

To see what other people have been saying, click on the "Your Stories" link up above, and it will show the posts that have been submitted so far (filtering out the boring stuff like my training logs :) ). Only site administrators can create new posts, but if you send us your story, either Lisa or I would be happy to post it for you. Just email us at our regular email addresses (if you have them), or email us here at mybrotherbob@gmail.com. Or if you prefer, you can just leave a comment anywhere on the site. If you click on the title of any post, it will bring you to a page with that post, and below will be a spot to submit a comment of your own, along with any comments that have been made so far.

And if nothing happens and this site fades into the background, then that's okay too. I have gotten so much out of this whole journey, and would like to thank each and every one of you who have been a part of it. I am honored that you have chosen to help celebrate my brother's life in such a positive way, and wish you all the very best.

:) Tori