Team 'Ohana 2009: No One Left Behind

[jbucci]

Richard: I'm so sorry to hear about Amanda and Alli, you are of course welcome to vent here anytime if it helps you, we are all here for you

As Beth and Mel said, a Glasgow coma scale of 3 is pretty low and basically means she was completely unconscious and unresponsive when she got to the hospital. The next day or so will tell you a lot. Kids and young adults are pretty amazing and I have seen recovery from things everyone thought were devastating, so keep the faith and hope.

Horrible accidents like this remind us all what the truly important things are in life- hold your family close and just enjoy being together knowing that at least you have each other to help you ride this emotional roller coaster. Focus on getting well: helping Alli's family cope with whatever is to come, allowing yourself to accept that sometimes there are no answers or reasons for events, and most importantly being thankful for each day you have with loved ones.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[Hey Mickey]

Richard: Just wanted to let you know that your daughter, her friend, and all of your families are in my thoughts. As a mom of a not-yet-driving-but-not-too-far-from-driving teenager, things like this chill me to the bone Hope Alli has shown some improvement.

 

[tiberius]

Hi all!

I am so touched by your outpouring of love, prayers and goodwill.

Unfortunately, Alli lost her battle around 230 this afternoon. She just never got any better and was declared brain-dead. I had gotten to the hospital shortly after this and was able to give her a final goodbye and give my wishes to her family. Many friends and family had come and it was a very sad, but supportive situation.

Later, I my brother-in-law went with me to clean out my daughter's vehicle. Fortunately he brought his wife because I very nearly completely lost it when I saw the damage to the vehicle--a Chevy Impala at a stop hit by a Ford F-250 moving at least 55mph (and I think this number is low). From what I can see, Alli never had a chance. Her head trauma was not caused by hitting anything, but was caused by the transfer of energy from the collision. I believe that my daughter survived only by good fortune where the truck's driver attempted to turn to the right. That slight change of direction placed my daughter near the axis of a spin instead in a straight line of transferred force. Without this late change of direction and a straight-on crash, and I believe they both would have suffered Alli's fate. Without getting trying to get too graphic, I can tell you that over half the trunk was pushed into the back seat's space and what wasn't in tha back seat's space was completely flattened (and that statement is without exaggeration).

I am left wondering why..., but also pondering why the only spot that could have possibly been surviveable was also the spot with a St. Christopher (patron saint of travellers) medallion and a medallion and charm replica of the Our Lady of the Highway statue given to her by my mother.


Thank you to all!

 

[laughinplace199]

Richard - I am so sorry to hear this news. I will continue to keep your family and Alli's family in my prayers as you deal with this terrible loss. I wish there was more I could say or do, but just please know that we are all here for you anytime you need us.

 

[chimera]

{{{{{{{{{Richard}}}}}}}}}

 

[tiberius]

Again, thanks to all of you for your support. I spent several hours with Alli's family today. She has such a great family, they were so concerned with me and my daughter in their time of need, I connot possibly say how much better they made me feel--even if only for a moment at a time. I hope I am able to do the same for them on some level.

It was never my intention to monopolize our thread for the weekend, but I sure appreciate all of you and owe a lot of hugs when I finally meet you in person.

 

[deekaypee]

Richard, I'm so very, very sorry. I am sure your presence, as well as Amanda's, provides comfort to Alli's family just as their support has offered comfort to you. Please know that I'm keeping all of you in my thoughts and heart. And also know that we are here for you, in whatever you need.

 

[deekaypee]

'Ohana Monday Mixer

There are many reasons why we race. Sometimes it's a way to challenge ourselves. Sometimes it's a strategy to keep ourselves motivated. Sometimes it's a reason to reunite with old friends and meet new ones. And sometimes, just sometimes, it's about the goodies.

This week's question is about those goodies:

What is your favorite medal/t-shirt/race-bag goody, and WHY?

So come on over to 'Ohana. Share with us your favorite pictures and stories. Brag about the bling. If you haven't done a medal-awarding event, tell us about a shirt. If you love a particular expo, we want to know why. And if you're new to races, visit anyway. You can get some ideas for future races and "ooh" and "ahhh" over the pretty, shiny things.

On a more serious note: Two of our 'Ohana cousins, Maria and Richard, could use some extra hugs, well wishes, and PD this week. If you've got the time, please let them know you're thinking of them.

 

[chimera]

Little comment for Richard:

Today is William Shatner's 78th birthday...can't believe he's that old!

 

[nkkilala]

The Princess 5K was my first race ever!! It is my favorite Bling!

I was a little upset at the shirt I received. I PRE-ordered a 2XL, however upon arrival the first day of the expo at 2:45pm there were none left and they did not have an explination as to why......

The race was SO much fun I've signed up for 2 in my area!

 

[princessrunner]

Monday Mixers, gotta love em!!

Richard and Maria: for you both. My most heartfelt thoughts are with you both. Richard, your story in particular made my heart ache. My own DD being 14 and driving on the near horizon, nuff said.

My favorite goody bag treat: A clip on Sharpie. I have used this more than you can imagine. Kid parties, picnics, etcetera where there is juice and plastic cups...yep you bet!!

Favorite bling: I don't have one. I treasure each and every one for their different reasons. ToT 6.5K for my very first Disney race. Donald bling, my first half marathon. Great Bay, my one and only race with my SIL and we had so much fun. Applefest HM, my race with Scott and AmyBeth and a new PR. And the ToT 13K because Scott, Patrick and I had a blast running together!

My favorite tee: I would have to say my Donald HM shirt because I get the most comments when I wear it!

So it's too early for drinks but I will bring some half and half (half coffee and half hot chocolate) with some homemade applesauce oatmeal muffins!!! No pics so use your imagination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

First a big Ohana for Richard, as I don't know when I'll make it back here today. You and Alli's family are in our thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a difficult week, and we are here for you.

It's been a crazy weekend, and I've been very out of sorts. I'm going to get back into my routine this week, but I'm being gentle with myself...

My favorite bling (and I don't have much!) is my 2008 Donald medal. It's my first, and I also wasn't really sure I would get it, 'cause I had a great fear of being swept!

Maria

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Aloha Cousins!

Prayers and Pixie Dust to Richard and Maria!

My favorite bling is my award for winning my AG at a midnight race this year. It's a marble plaque that almost looks like a paperweight, which I like because I can put it various places without looking obvious (like a trophy or medal).

My favorite T-Shirt is from my Halloween race (FOOGI Haunt Jaunt). It's long sleeved (which is awesome) with a skeleton and running shoes, and has down one sleeve the race's slogan, "Don't be scared, Run with us if you Dare!"

My favorite goody bag is from the Tufts 10k. It's been my only big race (and thus had the best bag) and it had info on the Princess 1/2 in it.

 

[msblrobs]

Richard - My heart goes out to you and yours, as well as Alli's family. Keeping you in my prayers.

Maria - Deepest sympathies for the loss of your co-worker.

Jen - Very well said

Guess I'd better not thread crash without answering some mixer questions Favorite medal would be my 2005 Mickey solely because it is my first. Fave shirt is my Philadelphia 1/2 marathon because it's black and really cool. Most desirable bag swag would be anything edible because I usually am looking for something to nosh pre or post race. That being said, I'm not really about the bling and it's the good company that continues to drive me to race.

 

[Steffwalks]

Good morning O'Hana!

Richard You and yours are in my prayers. I am so sorry.


MIxer-Mixing! -- My favorite medal is the always the one I just got! That means that my favorite right now is the one from the Little Rock Half Marathon! It was great! Btw, there were NO hills!

I don't have a favorite T-shirt. But the coolest one is the ToT. It glows in the dark.

Have a blessed day! See ya! -- Connie, Emperial captain of Hakuna Matata!

 

[ImMarcik]

Richard I just wanted to give you a hug.

 

[grstink]

Good afternoon to everyone.

RICHARD- My thoughts, prayers, and much pixie dust to you and your family.

MARIA - Many thoughts and prayers sent to you to help you through this difficult time.

Since the Royal Family 5K was my first race ever, I have to say I LOVED it all.
The excitement, the goodies, the award. So, since I am now hooked, I am anxious to hear and see what others have to say about their experiences and blings. I know that I will be doing next year's Princess Half with my daughter and am so looking forward to that medal. We will be doing several local events to prepare, but I'm not quite sure what we will be receiving.

Happy Monday to all!

 

[jship210]

Richard- I'm sorry for what you're going through. On too many occasions I've had to make those phone calls / visits and it never ever gets easier on this side of the phone either. Please know you and your family as well as Allie and her family are in our thoughts.

Jack (Team Hakuna)

 

[jeanneg]

Richard: I am so very, very sorry for your recent tragedy and the terrible sudden loss of the family friend. I am just reading about it now since I try to avoid going online on weekends. I write this with tears in my eyes. Words fail me right now. As a parent of 4, I can only imagine the range of emotions you and everyone involved must be experiencing. I am thankful your daughter is safe and saddened her friend was not as lucky. No one can ever fathom why these things happen, but they do. Please know I am here for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. And while we're at it, let's give all our loved ones an extra hug today.

Maria: so sorry for your loss as well. It makes us realize how precious and fleeting life is. Hugs to you and your fellow co-workers.

Jackie: so sorry about the salary cut and the loss of your 401K match. I keep waiting for the economy to rebound and it keeps getting worse. I know it's an awful time for you with Annie going off to college next year. I think we'd all agree a cut is better than a pinkslip, but it still hurts.

Deb: so glad you enjoyed Rebecca......don't you just love to hate Mrs. Danvers?

Gee, with all this bad news, I really don't feel up for a Monday mixer...especially since I can't drink to drown my sorrows! But I'll give it the old college try for you Debra because I know how hard you are working to make Ohana the bestest, friendliest team ever......

I think I began racing to prove something to myself and once that was done, I stayed with it because of the social aspects. Yeah, I really do love my WISH family.
After that, I would have to admit I do it for the bling. Unless it's for a charity near and dear to my heart, I won't do a race if I'm not gonna get a medal! I would have to say my favorite medal was the 2008 Mickey marathon one. Not only is it one beautiful mofo of a medal, but it was also my first full marathon....and you know how we women are about our "firsts"! My second favorite medal would be the nice Penguin one I got at the 2008 Run for Victory Junction. In addition to being a nice looking medal, I had it personally autographed by Richard Petty who posed with everyone after the race. What a guy!

 

[Creativebeth]

Richard: I am so sorry to hear that Alli lost her battle. What a tragedy for all involved. Why do bad things happen to good people? There will never be an answer for that, but we need to move forward with very heavy hearts. Such a shame......my thoughts and prayers will be with you and both families involved.

So, Monday mixer question. It' s good one Debra!

Favorite medal: Certainly not the biggest or flashiest, but my Toronto Marathon medal. It's the smallest of the bunch, but the most special since I will probably never do another full marathon again.

Favorite shirt: My Lehigh 1/2 marathon tech-shirt from 3 years ago. It's long sleeved, tech material, blue and perfect! I wear it all the time. The only problem with it is a couple of holes at the seams, and it doesn't smell the best anymore!

Favorite bag: My backpack bag from the Victory Junction 1/2 marathon. It's tech material, has the penguin on it, and has shoulder strings to wear like a back pack. I use it all the time when I travel as a bag to keep all my crap in! I also like my 'green' bag from Toronto (it's actually red, but re-useable) that I use as my gym bag to carry all my gym crap!

Beth