BIGFOOT 200 - The Final Chapter
Hard to say “goodbye” to this guy after all the time spent together this past week.
We’ve had a jumble of cities and time zones since Lawlor conferred with the medic late Sat. night – Portland, Hood River, Boise, Salt Lake City, Park City and Chicago. Thirteen hours in the car gives a lotta time to reflect and with each passing moment, our respect for Lawlor grows.
An easy throwaway line about life is that “We plan and God laughs” but at the end of the day, rarely does life meet the expectations we have set for it. Life may exceed expectations. At times, it also falls short, and it is those moments that reveal much about ourselves. Lawlor’s response to his Bigfoot 200 result? “While it wasn’t the finish I was planning on, still a great trip all around…overall, I’m happy with the run distance, but would have been pleased to make the finish line. Until next time.” I’m confident there will be a next time, and we’ll be happy to crew for Lawlor when that occurs.
Lawlor’s challenge was audacious, and he pursued it with discipline, focus and perseverance. But then life intervened, in the form of a rolled ankle/wonky Achilles. Lawlor’s pursuit/outcome seems to mirror life which demands both perseverance and acceptance (and often, perseverance again). In some ways, perseverance is the easier of the two – that acceptance thing is a kicker. But Lawlor adopted it like a cape and if I know anything, he’s already plotting his next big adventure.
Regardless of the number of miles run, Lawlor raised nearly $25,000 for the Be The Boat Fund. Through the proximity provided by Be The Boat grants to Hephzibah and Infant Welfare Society/The Children’s Clinic, we’ve observed the challenges faced by children served by these agencies. Challenges which require more than grit and discipline to overcome. The funds raised by Lawlor will allow Be The Boat to continue to offer programming to help children develop confidence through competence, and interventions when more aid is needed. Thank you to each of you who’ve supported Be The Boat – we’re most grateful!
