Wayne and I helped sponsor RACE FOR A SOLDIER, a half marathon last Sunday.  Our son, Dale, was a runner, and it seemed a fitting way to honor his memory.  A watering station was situated next to our milepost, where family and friends gathered to cheer on the runners.  Soon Wayne and the grandkids were busy handing out water and juice to the runners as they sped past.  I took my role of encourager seriously by applauding and shouting out encouragements.



What I found interesting was the difference between the first runners to zoom past versus the late stragglers.  The serious runners barely broke stride as they grabbed the cups, gulped down the water and tossed the cups aside.  Those who came later cried out, "Water.  Water," as they staggered to the table and then lingered to drink it down with no rush to continue running.  I know I'd be in the latter group.  God bless them all for their effort to support our armed forces.