I live in small town America. Population, under 4,000. It's a town that was established in the late 1800's. A lot of the buildings are really old...but really cool.
This is our post office...
and our library...
an old church...
our HUUUGE theater....
our restored downtown.
Just a little glimpse of where I live. But I can say a few things about where I live...
There are BEAUTIFUL sunrises and sunsets...
They know how to have a totally ROCKING parade. (yes, there was a hint of sarcasm...but this really is the parade that goes through the town. This picture is from right in front of my parent's house! There are other floats, I promise. )
But the best thing about this town? It's heart. And that's what this post is really about.
*All photo credits for the following pictures go to Jolynne*
This is Sgt. Glen Martinez. He went to my school...or I went to his. He was killed in Iraq on May 2nd, 2008. He was a hero.
When a soldier from our town is killed and they bring them home, the whole town comes out to pay tribute. They line the streets with flags in hand, hands over hearts, and tears in their eyes.
They are brought through town on the nicest firetruck in deepest respect, escorted by all of our local police, emergency response volunteers and their family.
This is Glen's wife, Melissa (center), his father (left) and mother (right) They are INCREDIBLE people.
In honor of Glen, his family has organized a walk/run 5k fundraiser to help raise funds for the Sgt. Glen Martinez Memorial Scholarship. They give out two of them to honor his life and memory to high school seniors.
My Dad runs this race, as well as my brothers. This year, I will be joining them. I've never been a runner like everyone else in my family, but I've always wanted to be. So, this is my year to start. And I can't think of a better cause to begin with.
Will you guys please be my cheer squad? I've never run a race before, so I'm kind of nervous. Okay...more like terrified. But, whenever I don't think I can do it, I'll come back to this post and comments to get all pumped again! :)
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15 people leaving some love!:
What an awesome run to start on! You can totally do it!
-Kristen
How awesome! Just a cool heart felt email. I had tears in my eyes...
And you can do it! Go Natalie!
P.S. I'm not a runner either :)
I was raised as a military brat for a portion of my life. My father served for 21 years in the US Army. That's why when I read things like this it makes me teary. You can do this! Whenever you think of quitting, think of all those still serving our country. Think positive and uplotting thoughts and you yourself will be uplifted. Good luck!
Your post totally made me cry! What a wonderful cause to run for.. You have me in your cheering section! Best of luck.. Races are fun and I am sure that you wil have a good time and hopefully you will find another addiction besides crafting.. I know I did!
Oh, how heartbreaking! I will be praying for his family for SURE.
You can TOTALLY do it! When you're in doubt, just ask the Lord and He will be your portion!! :)
www.iheartmygluegun.com
You know I'll be your biggest cheerleader! This post was a nice reminder about how this town can rally up and support each other. I should read this post when I am feeling like i hate it here.
Goooo, Nat! I am so out of shape... Never been a fan of running either. But way to participate for a good cause! Let us know how it goes. :)
PS. Monte Vista is more picturesque than I imagined it. How fun and quaint!
You can TOTALLY do this Natalie! Its only like 3.5 miles. You will do great!
Yay!!! You can do it! It's actually 3.1 miles, so LESS than 3.5 miles - yes! I started running a year-and-a-half ago. Don't worry, I'm no big shot runner. 5K's are all I do. I'm doing my third one the end of May and I started with the Couch to 5K program. Google it. You will start out small and build up to it. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can, cause I'm really NOT a runner! I'm a wannabee runner - haha! Good luck!
ohmygosh way to make me cry! as my {cop} hubby is at work right now and i'm watchin the tear-jerker 'charlie st cloud' boohoo!-so sad!! :(
i'll cheer for you. go girl. be proud!!! xoxo
Google Couch to 5K! It is also an iphone application on how to train slowly for running a 5K. You can keep on schedule, or sometimes I
will repeat a level a few if I don't have it down. Good luck!!
What a great post :) I actually just signed up for my first ever 5K too....yours is much more meaningful and special (seriously, what a cool community you live in), but I will be cheering you on from MN while I am "running" (slowly jogging) through my 5K :) Melissa
I was missing my brother today and I googled his name and came across your awesome page. It made my heart smile knowing that there are still people thinking of Glen and sharing the memory of him. Thank you! It made me cry, but it made my day! I will see you at the race! :)
Love and God Bless,
Lori
RIP Sgt Martinez
I remember boot camp with you like it was yesterday October 2004 with Echo Company Platoon 2040.
If there's any way I can help next years 5K please let me know!!
Semper Fi,
Alex
Thank you, Alex! How wonderful that you know him personally! I will tell his family about your sweet comment! How would you like me to tell them to get a hold of you? Thank you for your service to our country! ((HUGS))
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