Brave Like Gabe, part 2

Dear Ravi,

Last year I ran a 5km race called Brave Like Gabe. Gabe was a local elite runner who passed away a few years ago of a rare cancer. Her family set up this memorial run to honor her and raise money for better research into osteosarcoma and other rare cancers. I was proud to run that race for you and for Gabe. As you know, I am having a spinal fusion on June 9. The race this year in on Gabe’s birthday, June 20. Somehow, I cannot see myself at the starting line. The good news is that one can walk or run this race virtually, anytime, any place over the summer. I will give myself a few weeks to heal and then your daddy and I will walk a 5 km for you and anyone else who has or had a rare cancer. The money all goes towards research which will hopefully bring us closer to a cure. I set up #TeamRavi for anyone who would like to run in your honor and raise money for an excellent cause. I am very excited about this. Recovery from this fusion will take months, but I am eager to walk for you, and walking is considered part of recovery.

Guess who called me last night? Alissa! She said that she was coaching her last swim session for Special Olympics in Hawaii and that a very animated cardinal joined her on the pool deck for a good 10 minutes. Unlike you, the cardinal was very engaged in the warmup activities. Though you loved Special Olympics, you never had the slightest interest in warming up. Alissa thought that your appearance at the pool and participating in warmups was hilarious. She said that she would have teased you about it, but she was too busy coaching. Anyway, she called to let me know that she had seen you out and about, living your best life. I am always ecstatic to get reports about you. Alissa is coming to the Twin Cities in 8 days and we will definitely be getting together with her and Alan. When you picked Alissa as your best friend, you made the best choice in the world. Another bonus is that she calls me mom, her second mom. I am so proud of her, and happy that I am still a mom to someone. You will always be my firstborn and I will love you forever, but I miss being able to hug you. I will give Alissa and Alan the biggest hugs ever!

This was a good week. Your daddy and I got to hang out with an amazing baby on Thursday and today we got to play with a litter of puppies. I firmly believe that when I get to heaven I will be with you, all the babies that need to be held and cuddled, and all the pets that we have loved and lost. My work here on earth is far from done, but I have a heavenly home to look forward to as well. Your daddy and I love you and Mercury very much, even if we can’t see either of you. We are proud to walk the Brave Like Gabe 5km for you and will continue to tell your story. Love you to the moon and back. Mom.