I am so blessed to be surrounded by truly inspirational women. Last week I gave you a glimpse of my amazing cousin L. This week I want to share with you a truly inspirational story of a woman who has helped shape my entire life.
By all accounts we should not have become friends. I was the tall, gawky brunette who adored art and history. Tracy was the petite, curvy blond who loved math and sports. I was reserved, she was outgoing. We were and still are pretty much complete opposites. But our love filled friendship has now lasted for over thirty seven years.
(If you want more of a back story ~ I’ve talked about Tracy and what she has meant to me over the years HERE.)
Today I just want to talk about right NOW.
As we transitioned into adults and became mothers inevitably our bodies changed. Over the years Tracy, like many women, has struggled with her weight. It’s made her feel bad about herself and that breaks my heart because I can only see the beautiful person within.
She’s gorgeous!
At the beginning of this year, over the phone, she mentioned that she was the heaviest she’s ever been. She was mad because her doctor had used the “O” word to describe her.
Then in the next sentence she said “I’m through with feeling like this. I’ve begun training for a half marathon.”
“What? I stammered. Wow! You never cease to amaze me.”
She has been getting up every morning for the past several months and lacing up her athletic shoes to attend a bone crushing boot camp.
People she is doing IT!
When I saw her in August I couldn’t believe her transformation. She was looking great! She downplayed it by saying she hadn’t lost much weight. I quickly stopped her and reminded her that muscle weighs more than cellulite and boy was she getting fit!
The half marathon she is running in is the Tinker Bell half Marathon. It will be held on January 19th beginning at 5 am. A lot of women bust out the tutu’s to run.
But that is not Tracy’s style. If she is going to run, she is going to run for a purpose.
She is raising money for the Aly and Izy Foundation helping NICU babies.
To say this touches my heart is a huge understatement. My own Sweet Guy arrived a month early and was in the NICU.
I am SO proud of my friend!
She is just halfway to her goal. But I believe that it can happen and she will succeed!
I’m going to try my hardest to be at the finish line to cheer her on, but until then I am trying to encourage her, and perhaps anyone else with a similar struggle, by sharing her story. If you would like to donate to her fundraiser there is a direct link HERE.
Even $1 can and will make a difference.
Laura
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ~ Acts 20:35
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16
Wow! What a story Laura. I can really relate to Tracy. I am always battling my weight and am now going to the gym with my physically fit son 3 times a week. He encourages me so much I try every challenge he gives me to my very best!
Go Tracy!! You're gonna do it and succeed. The first time you went to that rigorous training you were a winner! I'll be donating to your cause this payday. Thank you for the inspiration… we ALL need that!!
Blessings to you both, Edie Marie
She really is amazing. Wow. Such a fabulous cause. Hugs, Marty
How inspiring she is!!!! Off to donate! 🙂
I admire Tracy's determination – an inspiring reminder of the power of giving to others. xxx
I can easily see why you are great friends Laura. Many years ago I had a very strong (yet tiny) woman inspire me to get out and walk with her, talk and also was invited to come to her restaurant at any time. Mary always got things done!
I love her and need to tell her more often!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Beautiful story of a gorgeous woman. Donating … TY Tracy!
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
Good luck to your friend, and hats off to you for be such a good friend and offering great encouragement. Her “cause” is a near and dear one to me as well. Our twin granddaughters arrived early, weighing only 1 1/2 & 2 1/2 lbs. at St. Joe's in Phoenix. The NICU was amazing and offered us all so much support. We are regular contributors.
Thank you all so much! It has been a struggle. But, I won't let it win! And, to run for this great cause just fills my heart to know that I and all of you that donate can help! Laura is really a great friend! She is a true blessing! Thank you my friend for sharing my story! And, thank you to all who have donated! It really means a lot to me! I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart.xoxo
Oh, Laura! What a wonderful inspiration story about your friend. First of all, how fabulous you two have stayed good friends all through the years. And yay to her for her determination to run the marathon and then for the special cause of the little babies. I wish her the best!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
What an inspirational story Laura – I wish her all the best with this – what a heart!!!
My twins were born 2 months early – I've donated!!!
Much love from Montreal,
Hugs,
Suzan
She is inspiring to me and gives me hope!
What an inspiration!
Kelley~