As I looked out on the great hill of the fairgrounds yesterday, I felt like I was looking into a Norman Rockwell painting. Kids in droves rolled down the big hill as parents sat relaxing on the grass. This followed an energy infused morning of racing from children ages two all the way to 18. Seeing a community come together was heartwarming. It wasn’t for the simple cause of burning calories, but for something far greater. I hope it is safe to say that each child went home feeling proud and accomplished. I learned that this program is working its own special kind of miracle, the type that will hopefully grip these kids into adulthood. Good health and personal accomplishment will see these kids to the best possible future. This year, a bunch of mentors kept these kids motivated no matter what the cost to their personal time and commitments. Just the fact that so many kids raced proved that these children are truly invested in our every day program. They needed to see things come full circle for themselves. They had lived the mantra of Go Far, and now they could test themselves by going fast. Where the program thrives on children being publicly recognized, yesterday was the ultimate party of who’s who. Among town dignitaries, their teachers and their parents, they were seen in a big way. We witnesses the greatest runner in the school district do what he does best. The younger kids cheered him on, some slack-jawed envisioning themselves in the same position. Watching the little tots had everyone smiling as we saw this town’s future coming forward, one tiny step at a time. We saw a young girl and boy duke it out for 1st place in the 1 mile race of 168 kids…inspiring to say the least. My son put it best saying, “Wow mom, all of these Go Far kids are getting crazy fast.” No matter what your celebrity in our little fish bowl, they all felt pride in themselves and went home better off than before. So what’s next? While my life as a photographer still needs to be nurtured, I realize that this program has immense value to the kids that participate. In many ways, these kids are like my own and I want to see them through. My goal next year is to break the middle school barrier. Doing this is a challenge on par with climbing Mount Everest. Nothing is impossible though; I truly believe that. For now, I need to regroup and get some rest. After a summer recharge, this bunny will be ready. Anybody else in?
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