Don't Give Up # 3

My mom with the sign along with Jessy, Crista, and baby Miles.

Surrounded by my biggest supporters.  What a beautiful day.

My parents are so amazing.

My husband has stood by me throughout the years.  He was so excited.  He decorated the house, brought me flowers, a pin, and a massage.  I adore him.

The sign and me.  

I started the different “Don’t Give Up” projects about a year ago ( I think there are 2 on my blog).  As I was creating the sign and taking the pictures I was getting my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.  At various times throughout my college experience I wanted to give up.  It was overwhelming.  I was going to college with students 8 to 10 years younger than me, continuing my relationship with my boyfriend and now husband (who I married along the way), working part time jobs, growing my relationships with my family and friends that I had established, and learning how to write reports and papers all over again.  At the point when I was making the sign I realized I had my own “Don’t Give Up” project and it would be to complete what I had started, college. 

The biggest reason I went back.  When I graduated high school I joined the Army Reserves.  The reason was - to pay for college.  I completed my associates degree and then was called overseas.  Two months prior to me leaving I engaged myself in conversation with any veteran that I could find.   During our conversations I would ask if they had any regrets about the army, their tour overseas or coming home.  The one thing that always stood out was they wished they would have used the money from the government to go to school.  So at the time I never thought I would go back for my bachelor’s degree.   Now here I am 8 years later, and I completed it.  I didn't give up.  No regrets.

My graduation day was very special to me.  I had the large white cardboard sign at the ceremony and when I crossed the stage and walked back to my seat my mom was holding it high in the air for everyone to see.  I was so proud of myself. 

The guest speaker on that special day was unique.  He was a 40 year old man who just completed his bachelor’s degree.  He gave the most beautiful “Thank you” to his wife for standing by his side and allowing him to complete something he started 20 years ago.  He spoke of how it is never too late and his speech embodied a person who “Never gave up.” 

So I love to be inspired I hope this inspires you.  It is never too late to start something.  Did you hear about the 60 year old school teacher? She always wanted to teach and received her degree at 82 years old.  She is still teaching at 99.  That is 17 years she has been able to live here dream.  View her story here. So I ask you, what is your “Don’t Give Up” project?

Don't Give Up Project # 2

Many started, but only few finished the full marathon on a hot May (20th) day in Green Bay, WI

Jessy #30 running up to the 21mile marker.

A sign along the way to inspire the runners to keep going.

Jessy is being helped out of ice water by her fiancée Andy.  He was such a huge support.  She finished the race in 5 hours and 11 minutes (her mom's birthday).  The day was filled with small miracles.

Behind Jessy were IV stations.  They called the race quites at 9:35 in the morning because they had ran out of IV fluids.  Jessy finished the race at a little past noon.  Seeing people dehydrated and packed with ice was the defining moment for me of what she had just accomplished - 26.2 miles.

This is the image that I couldn't wait to take.  For everything she went through, 5 months of training, a moment of panic that the race wasn't going to continue, and a feat that not many can say they have done.  It was amazing and inspiring to be in her presence.  It felt as if she was an old pro at these things we call challenging.

  

I feel so blessed to have experiences such a day.  We can go on and on about the difficulties put in our path.  The things that seem impossible and so overwhelming.  But just like the people in the race that told her to stop, told her that it was to hot to run,  we are continually fighting a battle of "Nos" and "Your not good enoughs".  Jessy knew the work that she put into this journey and by putting one foot infront of the other she was able to cross that marker...... the one that reads "26.2 miles You Could of Hurt Yourself".   She crossed that finish line and she Didn't Give Up.  What a blessing to see God in everything.  With Him by our side we are truly capable of anything.  As tears well in my eyes Jessy you are truly a blessing to so many, we love you.

Don't Give Up Project

I was inspired by the Love and Respect class that Doug and I are currently attending.  They showed a couple that had been married x amount of years and they carried a sign that said "Don't give up."  So I took it upon myself to make a sign and now have started the Don't Give Up Project.  First participants that I chose were mu husband Doug's grandparents - Bill and Hilda.  Married 63 year this coming July.  You can feel the love they share for each other when you are with them.  They inspire me and I hope they inspire you.  I then in turn took their photo and placed it on a card and sent it to 10 of my family and friends.  A little reminder that I believe in their marriage and a reminder to not give up.  Along with the card I sent the single that Jason Mraz released "I Won't Give Up."  This song is so beautiful.  We are so worth it.  Just a reminder to not give up weather it is a race you are running, a job you have to finish, or just a day that seems to not go your way. Don't give up.

Prayer for today:  Give my fears to God. Let him in and know that everything will be fine because He is with me today and always.  Please help me to not worry about what is or is not to come in my life. Enjoy today.  I am so thankful for all my blessings.