Tag: Pastor’s Wife

Blog, Inspirational

When Life Gives You Lemons…

Deanna Steinle

When life give you lemons… make whatever you want!

Lemonade, lemon sherbet, lemon custard, lemon meringue pie, lemon jello, lemon sorbet, lemon tarts, lemon cheesecake, the possibilities are endless and all just as delicious.

My point is this, we all go through trials. Yes, there are similarities. But, how we get through those trials is going to look different for each person. The end result will not always be lemonade.

Sure, I can tell you what my resolution would be. Help guide you and support you through the journey. Trust me, I will be right there cheering you on! But ultimately it is your story and your resilience that is different from everyone else.

Why? Because your “resilience” is beautiful and unique to you. Given as a gift from God, powered by The Holy Spirit and nurtured through the Grace of God.

I can’t stress to you how much I love the word “resilient/resilience”. It is such a powerful word. And yet, it literally can’t exist without the ugliness, the pain and tears of trials.

God knew we would experience pain. Pain that would bring us to our knees at times. I can’t sit here and give you boxes to check to get you through trials. I wish I could. If I had the ability to take it all away, I would in a blink of an eye. To see anyone suffer rocks me to my core. The harsh reality is, we will all experience some kind of trial in our lifetime.

I am going to tell you a BIG secret. It even hurts me to even put it into words. But here it goes. Even as much as I want to promise you that I will ALWAYS be by your side during the pain, I can’t. I have the potential to fail you in those moments. Not because I do not want to be there. I could be in another state, I could be with another person, I could be sick. etc. The list of reasons are endless.

But I can promise you one thing, one single thing. GOD WILL BE THERE! And I can assure you, it will be beautiful. He will meet you where you are. Together, your journey will be a story for the ages! To share with others of how God has made himself reverendetly known in your life.

So the next time you find yourself with a bowl full of lemons, don’t try to solve your problems to mirror another person. Let God take over and show you the beautiful creation He has created in you; the miracles around you He provided to give support during those times, and the moments God carried you. Even when you didn’t know you were being carried. Trust me, it looks nothing like everyone else’s lemonade.

#Live2Inspire1
Blessins and Love,
Deanna






Blog

When The Rug Gets Pulled.

Deanna Steinle

Isaiah 40: 30 – 31 ESV
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Tonight is one of those nights, I am not sure how to get my words together. Marshall and I took a much needed vacation to get away, retreat and process everything we have been going through since my diagnoses and latest appointments. We have had some amazing concurring moments and moments where I feel like my world is falling apart.

Being in my 30’s and suddenly having my legs give out while walking is something I NEVER IMAGINED I would be learning how to handle in my life. Or how to handle the stares from the flight attendant because she can’t believe my face is drooping and can barely understand me because I am slurring my words. I become so red with embarrassment, I want to crawl under my seat.

At this moment, I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under my feet in several aspects of my life.

I say this with certainty that the majority will understand when I say this “It is ok, to not be ok 100 % of the time”. The best, most powerful thing I can do for myself is to recognize and give respect to the changes happening to my body and allow the feelings to come when they come. Giving them time to process and then get back up again.

That DOES NOT mean I give in; it means that I take care of myself when my body is telling me something is wrong. When it tells me to stop and forces me to rest. Marshall has to step in sometimes to make me stop. Because, well you know, I am stubborn. However, he truly understands my drive and the mental struggle I have daily. But when I do not listen, I end up in a wheelchair on vacation and headed back to the room to sleep and let my body recover. I do not get an option when it gets to that point.

So what do I do now, that I feel like the rug has been pulled? Burn it! I did not need that rug anyway! Redecorate. Make changes. Downsize. Redecorate again. How am I doing that? One day at a time. I am working on a Ladies Retreat coming in 2020, I have a few speaking engagements this fall. For the new year I am not sure where it will go from there. These were things all put into motion BEFORE my last set of doctors’ visits. Then we had to have some very hard discussions in those appointments. Honestly, it was not information I wanted to hear. Hence why we went away for a while.

All I know is, God has me. I will fly, I will soar. I will always be looking for his guidance and do everything in my power to fulfill the plan he has for me, to the best of my ability.

I want to share what God has done in my life. I want to shout it from the rooftops. I sometimes feel like a broken record, but I honestly believe that if I can help just one person, it is all worth it. #Live2Inspire1

AMEN!

Next speaking event: Sept. 8th Grace Covenant Church Kingsport, TN










Blog

Change is Hard. Change is Growth

Deanna Steinle

This life is always changing. Change looks different for everyone. Mine is just a little more drastic than most. As it is with anyone with a chronic illness; especially something rare, such as mine.

Sometimes I believe the change in my activity level is the hardest part about MG. The change in my body, my physical appearance; wishing I could work out and get back to were I once was. Other days, I feel like I am missing out with friends and family because of the lack of energy and strength to do something fun with them. Then, I think about how I feel in regards to the dreams I once had. Of certain goals, I wanted to accomplish in life. Change is hard.

Then I wake up, specifically the last two days, and I cant keep my eye open to save my life. I sit in a room with blackout shades, wearing sunglasses, just so I can watch a movie to pass the time. My eyes ache with pain as they try to stay open. Think of this way, when you go to the gym and you are on your last rep. of lifting a weight. The burn, the shaking of trying to keep your arms up to achieve that last point, that’s what it feels like in my eyes. That is full muscle fatigue. That is what happens to MG’ers when they cant get the nerve signal to the muscle.

No, THIS, this is the hardest. It effects everything. It effects me being able to get ready. It effects enjoying these beautiful days we have had, that I feel I have completely missed out on.

But then I take a set back and remember a conversation I had with a lady three days ago. A conversation that reminded me that on days like today, I am STILL GROWING.

I was telling her about my workshop I am building “Resilience is Beautiful”. I was explaining that my new goal is to share my story and to help others in all aspects of life because resilience is NOT a word just associated with someone with medical complications. It is a word that builds meaning for each of us. From marriage, family, finances, work and more specifically our Faith Walk.

I know what I am going through is meant to be shared. That God and I have had NUMEROUS heart to heart conversations about what the future holds for me. Is it a clear picture? No. Does it scare me? Yes. WIll it help others? I believe it will with all my heart.

So I made the decision to step out and start working on this workshop. To put my heart and soul into building sessions that had real meaning, real value, real conversation. I pray about that points the conversations are meant to be built around. I pray about the people that will attend. I pray for the confidence in my research to build something Biblically sound. I have grown.

I have grown in my prayer life. I have grown in my understanding of what spiritual and mental health looks like. I have grown in my understanding that “yes” my life is changing but I am growing with it. God has a plan. He has been pulling at my heart, having very deep conversations with me when I am alone in a room watching a movie with blackout shades. He uses this time, even though they are VERY hard on me, because I am alone and not distracted.

I know today will get better. I know that I will be focusing what energy I have into my workshop and build something, I believe, will have value. That is my prayer.

I am human. I have feelings, struggles, pain, emotions and days that I feel I am at my lowest. But I remember that with these struggles brings moments of clarity and direction. Forcing me to reprioritize my life. And that is exactly what I am doing.

Change is Hard. Change is Growth.

Blog

Social Media and Empty Couch Syndrome

Deanna Steinle

It will be to no one’s surprise that I love social media. I majored in Marketing and consider it a large player in brand awareness and communication. I think it is a great tool and fun for all ages. I for one, LOVE your messages and comments. It brings so much joy into my life!

I am also a big advocate for knowing  when and where social media has its place.  As Christians what are we doing or not doing, to help those going through tough times in their lives?  Are we using social media as our only source of comfort creating “Empty Couch Syndrome”?

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What is Empty Couch Syndrome? It is a term I created, defining the living environment of someone who is chronically ill/grieving/struggling and social media has taken the place of individuals stopping by to visit them. This amplifies the isolation factor of the person struggling and gives a false sense of due diligence to social media followers.

I am sure you will agree, we ALL fall into the convenance of social media when someone post their need for prayer or a current struggle they are facing. You can “Like, Heart or Sad Face” our empathy with them and comment with “Praying!” in literally .5 seconds.  It is great encouragement!  But can we do more?

This is where I feel, we as Christians, drop the ball. More often than not, it stops there. Do we pick up the phone for them to hear our caring voice? Do we stop by to have a few much-needed laughs with them? Do we follow-up the next week to make sure they are ok? We have forgotten the signficant impact of human interaction during times of struggles.

Christ called us to be there for one another. To love and comfort as he does for us. Lets be the face of God and FILL THOSE COUCHES! Do not let them sit empty! Lets bring warmth into their homes and knock out the cold screen. Lets care for others as we would want to be cared for.

2 Cor 1:4-5 ESV
4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

Bring a movie. Bring a smile. Bring a hug that stretches a mile.
Bring a meal. Bring a mug. Bring a shoulder for someone to snug.
Bring a heart with understanding and love,
Because You Have Been Sent From The Great Lord Above.
– By Deanna Steinle

Blessings and love,
Deanna

Blog, Inspirational

Why Fall Is The Light At The End Of My Tunnel…..

Deanna Steinle

fall-leaves

For YEARS my parents have always called me their “little ice-cube”.  We have a running joke in my family, from the time I was shivering at Disney World in Orlando, Florida during one of the hottest days of Summer. Disclaimer: The sun was setting, but to my family, completely irrelevant. HA!

In the last 6 months, that is basically out the window. If fact, when I tell someone in my family I am cold, they respond with “Great!” Or my extremely empathic husband responds in the most loving way,  ” Make it colder! ”

Humidity, high temperatures, stagnate air are very dangerous  for gMG*. If you have read my ICE To The Rescue! post, you have a clear picture just how dangerous it can get and how ice plays a major role in maintaining a safe enviorment in warmer weather.

My body chemistry has completely changed due to treatment. I tend to run warm natured. I am hardly ever cold; to be honest it is kind of frustrating. Reason being, the colder I am, the better behaved my symptoms are. So why did it have to change? It would have been much easier if I stayed cold natured. Right?!

With Summer coming to an end, Fall quickly approaching, I can’t sleep with the building excitement of the much-needed break (from the heat) coming my way!  A list is running through my mind of all the wonderful things I get to do this time of year. It is basically a triple gift!
1. A Break From The Heat
2. Holidays
3. Outings with Friends and Family

I think, that is what made summer so difficult. This year, I had to cancel much more frequently or stay inside, while everyone else played under the bright blue sky and golden rays. Not being there broke my heart. Especially if it was something I consider a “tradition” with certain people.  And let’s be honest, this year has been pretty unbearable with heat. Some weekends just getting out of the house was a challenge. So I feel like I missed a lot.

This Saturday is the “First Day of Autumn”.  I am already counting down the days until my phone rings and it is my Mom and two family friends, asking if I want to stroll around the Holiday Markets. Yes, yes, yes, GIRL TIME! The markets are always inside, it SMELLS like Christmas when you walk through the doors and the shops are AMAZING! Normally there are several around our area, sprinkled throughout the season; so there is always something to look forward too.  It brings so much joy into my life!

Fall brings: Crisp mornings, amber leaves, cooler temperatures, more energy, hopefully shorter recovery time on weekends, Holiday excitement, the ability to see more people, Honeycrisp apples and decorations!

Fall also brings the increased possibility of illness.  Since my immune system is now drastically compromised with how far I am into the medication, I have to be more careful. My doctor gave me a wonderful lecture at my last appointment. #YAY . So if you have been visited by our friend Mr. Ooey Gooey, Green and Boogies, reschedule. I will see you after he leaves. HA!

Summer is full of sunshine, but for MGer’s it can be rather dark. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel the excitement building as the list of adventures grow and knowing all the people I will see. I have been waiting for this!

Isaiah 40:31 English Standard Version (ESV)

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Blog, Inspirational

Thank You – The Melting Pot

Deanna Steinle

Thank you to @themeltingpotrestaurants for making this celebration one we will not forget. And to EVERYONE who made this one night get away possible. There are SEVERAL people behind the scenes that made this weekend happen. After last weekend (when I was in the hospital) this was something we both desperately needed. We celebrated one year of being diagnosed and making it through the FIRST year of treatment and learning!!! (My actual diagnosis Anniversary date is April 19 however this was the ONLY weekend we could do this.) We lumped, birthday, valentine’s and anniversary all in one. We laughed, we cried and talked about how thankful we are for all the people in our lives who are there to support us each day. I definitely cried when she brought out my plate and rose. Having had such a low last weekend and not understanding why this was happening; this moment truly embraced the milestone of how far I have come. We were both in shock! It was stunning! I will continue to push everyday, loving everyone around me and thankful for the many blessing God has shown us. #live2inspire1 #RareDisease#myastheniagravis #strongertogether #strongerthanyesterday #pastorswife#pastor #christian #Themeltingpot 

Blog, Inspirational

Be The “Upper Hand” For Christ: Know The Details

Deanna Steinle

I have heard it said, it has become much harder to keep young adults and youth in church. Too many things are competing for their time and the priority is not there. Plus the social changes going on right now are making the millennial back away. Then I am asked, how do we, a smaller church, have so many generations? My answer is: We teach them. They are equipped, not entertained. Let me explain…

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Image used from “God’s Not Dead Bible Study” http://www.GodsNotDead.com

We are a small church. We do not have a rock band or fancy lights. We do not have the most recent songs on the radio playing the second you walk in the door and we still use the phone tree to pass along prayer requests. Email is being used for those that prefer email, but we still greatly rely on the phone tree. Yes, all the things I listed above are great things. I love going to a great worship service just as much anyone. In fact, I love visiting churches when Marshall has his Sunday off and we get to worship together (that is a VERY rare event for pastors and their spouses) in a style I grew up with. But is that ALL that makes up the Church?

But let me tell you what we DO have. We have a strong foundation. Our foundation is Christ. We teach the complete 360 degree view of the Bible; not just what makes us feel good. We do everything in our power not to cut verses to make them sound justified to our own gain. And we certainly make mistakes! We are not perfect.

As long as our youth and young people know, we (the leaders), give them as much information as we can and as many resources as we can, then God takes over from there. We equip; we teach. We train them to search for answers. That is our goal. We want them to think for themselves.

If we are not learning, we are not growing and we will never understand how our spiritual maturity is suffering because we are not actually absorbing and understanding facts; just concepts.

Concepts are great; do not get me wrong. But the details, that is were evil likes to fight the youth. Challenging their thinking, making them second-guess anything and everything they have ever known growing up. Evil loves the silence. It is the silence that happens when a best friend gets in a fight with them over what they believe and why, then they struggle to respond. The silence is where evil wins. When they can’t defend their beliefs, they can’t understand the attacks.

How can we battle evil in this world without details? That is like showing up to a fight in dress shoes or high heels. You will make one move to protect yourself and fall flat on our face because your feet had the wrong foundation. It was slippery, you fell basically on your own and the opponent takes advantage of that and has the upper hand. Game point.

Teach your youth. Teach them to be resourceful. Teach them to ask questions, then ask it again to someone else, then ask it again to the barista at the coffee shop, then ask their pastor. Let them know “why” people’s answers vary. Interpretation of scripture is hard, I will be the first to say it. But until you fight to understand and learn the details, the conversation will almost always turn out like this…..

Person: “Why do you belive that?”

Youth answers: ” Because so and so said it… or I heard someone say it on Sunday”

They never answer with ” I believe………, because when you look at the book of ____ in the Bible……. and then I read a book from a theologian named…… and then a  commentary from …… which assisted me to understand…. ”

See the change?

Be the change. Know the details. Grow to be the “upper hand” of Christ in the fight.

 

Blog, Running

Lets Get Crazy- Practice and Race Day

Deanna Steinle

July 11, 2016
Today was a great day. I ran the Crazy 8’s Practice Run in preparation for the real Crazy 8’s 8k on Saturday. As I am training for my half marathon I am using smaller races to just have fun  and to push myself. Plus, it does a lot for your body and soul! Seeing my old running group really made this day special.

I have noticed while I was changing into my running shoes today, that I am getting more excited than I used to before a run. I now have the feeling I can keep up again; that I belong with the group. I am starting to regain my confidence on the road. It also has helped my confidence in my physical ability that we have now tested the waters with workouts and understand the limitations of my throat during activities. But the best part is, we have found great solutions for keeping my throat cool and inflammation down during runs or other outdoor activities. I also can, and have used, these tricks in my everyday life. All of these things are “Two Thumbs Way, Way Up! ” in my book!

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If you are a runner, you know that it can be very easy to start a race “too hot”. Meaning, you basically throw out your game plan, your intervals, and what pace you should be running and follow the crowd. This can be a very dangerous thing for someone who is training for a half. Smaller races, like this, gives me the opportunity to overcome my pre-race jitters which can lead to these race errors. I highly recommend it!

Today was proof of that. I did great, but due to the extremely high temperatures, we cut the run short at 4 miles. It really was the best decision. It was not due to anything I did wrong. I kept my intervals, hydrated and stayed within my pace range. It was Marshall calling it and me reluctantly agreeing with him.

Honestly, there was a time I felt like giving up as I made the first loop of the race, before I sent Marshall the text. But I realized that the things that were hurting me, actually had nothing to do with my throat (at this point). It was little things like blisters, heat, bad shoes , my water on my hips got hot. (Which does not help my throat cool down)  And lastly, if my whole purpose behind this blog is to be transparent, then I have to admit to you I was missing Marshall while I was running. He has been training with me this whole time, until this run; he is my rock.

It was weird not having him with me and being surrounded by strangers. People that had no idea what I am working towards or what this race meant to me. This was a milestone!  To get this feeling was a new factor I never thought would be an issue or that would even come up. Before my surgery I had competed in several races and Marshall was there waiting for me at the finish, cheering me on; no big deal, right?  Then I realized, the heat was making me create excuses and one of the biggest issues holding me back I could easily fix, so I sent him the text. We are not in Florida yet. This is a practice run for a training race and November is far off. I do not HAVE to run alone yet.

Marshall and I went forward as a team, exactly what I needed. Then as we crossed a few more intersections we looked at each other and went to a shaded area to escape the blazing sun while we discussed what the best game plan would be. I will admit, I might have shed a few tears while we were sitting there, but I knew “calling it”  was the right thing to do. This was not an actual race, conditions were even dangerous for the seasoned runner and I knew Saturday was my real goal. As a side note, prior to this run, my training has allowed me to achieve longer distances than this, so you can imagine my aggravation and feeling of defeat.

After I got cooled down, realized that it was not just me that was struggling, it was ALL of us, we compromised; ending at 4 miles. My heart sank as we made the choice to turn around,  but those conditions are out of my control. (As Marshall had to keep reminding me until I got it through my stubborn head, ha!) . The heat was just a nightmare. Regardless, it was a great run and I am beyond proud of myself.

July 16, 2016

Seeeee, I told you I could do it!  My race was amazing! I learned a few things on my run that I need to keep in mind for the next one. The biggest adjustments I will have to make is in the clothing department once my running hydration pack gets here. My ice pack would not stay where I needed it to, in the top I was wearing. Right now, my hydration system is on a belt and has become more difficult to use than I initially thought. So, I will be switching to a hydration backpack where I will keep (2) instant ice packs, ID, gummies, phone, my music and a few band aids (just incase).  But this is why you practice and train. You learn what works and what does not before the big day!

Marshall and I ran the last 100 yards together. He had been on the side lines cheering me on the whole time, but he met me at the end and we crossed the line hand in  hand.. What an amazing night!

I plan on doing a “Pack” update once I get all these items narrowed down and weighed. That post will be a lot of fun to write, I can already feel myself getting MORE excited since I just completed my 8k! Until next time, enjoy the pictures below!

Here are my race day pictures!!!

The Winner
Before And After
Me and My Sweetie!
Group Pic!
Patrick Fischer
Before
And After

Watch The Starting Line! It is SO cool!

Running

My Story: Why A Half Marathon?

Deanna Steinle

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As many of you know, the last two years have been nothing short of the greatest obstacle of my life. What was supposed to be a simple routine surgery to remove my tonsils,  turned into 3 surgeries, modified bed rest, months of speech therapy, swallow therapy and physical therapy. Hemorrhaging out as an adult was a risk I was very well-informed about, however, I had to have the surgery. It really was not an option for me to say “no”. Regardless of all the bad, I am still truly thankful that I did it.  I am healthy, happy and loving life. I get stronger everyday.  All because of the amazing team surrounding me.

Now, thanks to my doctors, whom I can’t say enough good things about, I have been released to do this great race and raise money as a St.Jude Hero! A true passion of mine. But many people have asked me “Why? Why a half marathon?”, so I thought I would shed a little light on the subject.

When my husband and I were trying to decide on how we wanted to celebrate overcoming this adventure, I told him I wanted to do something that covered 6 criteria.
– Had to benefit someone else
– Physically challenging
– Fun
– Location : A place we had not been TOGETHER
– Something a year ago, would have been absolutely impossible to accomplish
– But also something that I HAD done prior to my surgery. To prove, I was getting back to “me”.

It was in this 6 criteria, we decided on a half marathon through the St. Jude Hero program. This would allow me to do my fundraiser for the kids, run in a location neither of us have been together, physically challenging and it is going to be a blast!

I was first a St. Jude Hero at the Rock N Roll Half Marathon – Nashville, one year after my little cousin passed away. (You can see my original post HERE). It was emotionally very difficult, I spoke to Aaron every step of every mile. And at times, I am pretty sure he even carried me. This run allowed me to grieve. It was exactly what God had planned for me. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.

When you lose a child in your family, you really do not know how to react or how to process it. But this run and raising money for the children at St. Jude Research Hospital gave me a place to keep his fight alive. We made a difference with every step and in Aaron’s honor and memory. I couldn’t have picked a better way to celebrate him.

The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon means just as much to me, if not more. We are raising DOUBLE the amount of money to send to the children!  To be able to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families, truly leaves me speechless. In my first run, I raised enough for 20 families. With this run, it will give assistance to  40 families! I have seen first hand what this money will do. How much it means to them. Especially, in a time when all their focus needs to be on the little lives that are before them, finances should not be a priority or worry. It is ALL taken care of, 100% , because of YOUR donations.

As far as the physical challenge,  I had to do a half marathon. A 5k or even a 10k would not allow the mental and emotional battle to have its peace. That I did it. That I, above all odds, defeated the very thing that tried its best to bring me down. The bar had to be set. I had to put it to a level where I knew I could obtain it, but a distance that also required your body to be trained and conditioned. I would have to truly work for it. So we settled on the half.

When I cross the finish line, I told my husband to be ready to catch me. I will probably be crying with tears of joy, relief, pain and overwhelmed with emotion. I can see it all happening, even as I type this post. That everything I have gone through the last two years was for this. To be a St. Jude Hero, running for Aaron and all the children. To give talks, share my story and help change the lives of others. Reminding everyone, never give up. You never know what God will use your story for.

People often say “it is just a half”, but for me….. it is 20,000 steps I couldn’t take two years ago.

Please support my fundraiser as St. Jude Hero. We are almost there!
http://heroes.stjude.org/DeannaSteinle

 

Inspirational, Running

Diary Entry: St. Jude Hero Page From 2011

Deanna Steinle

_____________________________________________________________________

Below is a post I had written for my St. Jude Hero page, the very first time I did this fundraiser and prepared for the Half Marathon in Nashville, TN .

(Written The First Year After Aaron Earned His Angle’s Wings) 
All my life I have competed in one way or another. Swimming, dance, pageants, riding horses..the list goes on and on.  In that time, I developed a since of competition with a purpose, knowing that win or loose, the efforts were still contributing to something bigger than yourself. Nothing held more true than the night of June 5, 2010 when my own idea became reality and hit home.

 The final night of my National competition the phone rang and my worst nightmare came true. My little cousin, Aaron, had lost his battle with Leukiema and I was far away from home and far away from my family. However, I could not leave the competition.  Not because I physically was unable, but  because I made a promise to a little boy lying in bed at  home, that wanted nothing more than to come watch me compete at my big event that I would stay.  Aaron told me the night before I left, “I am so proud of you and promise me whatever happens, you will finish. Win or loose, you will always be my queen. I love you.” The last words he would ever say to me before he died and big words at that. These words came from a child who had spent months at St. Jude’s fighting a Leukiema that was extremely aggressive and caused much pain, and knowing he barely had much time left. Regardless of what he felt, he found the strength everyday to  put others before himself in every aspect of his life and his treatment. 

 Aaron was the child, that loved unconditionally and without cause. When he spoke to you, he made you feel like you were his favorite. A gift that truly was unique and special. 

 During his illness  he was  more worried about his family being o.k and  going through the process of treatments,traveling , and the education of his cancer, than he was for himself and what he would and did endure. He never wanted tears and he never wanted pain for all around him and spoke of that often. He wanted everyone to be happy and enjoy each day they had.  A remarkable young boy with a huge heart filled with wisdom of love and kindness  that normally takes a lifetime to obtain. 

 I truly believe,  that with the help of St. Jude’s , that thousands of child’s lives will be saved because of Aaron. That they will find a cure to this rare and aggressive form of cancer normally found in adults, that has discovered its  way into children. 

 Aaron taught me my own life lesson. A thought and moral standard my parents  instilled in me for years. He brought it home, he  lived it no matter how bad things got. If he can go through, numerous treatments, bone marrow transplants and tests and still put others above himself, then I can run 13.1 miles in his honor to help St. Jude’s come that much closer to finding a cure to save the lives of thousands. 

 Aaron did his part in contributing to this  process, now lets do ours. Please donate for this worthy cause and support me in raising my monetary goal in Honor and Memory of Aaron.  The boy who loved others the way they wanted to be loved, the one who put others before himself no matter what he endured and the one that saw his purpose in the big picture. 

 Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Deanna