An example of patience

The following post is written by Jill Williams a mother of two beautiful princesses and a handsome prince and they all have smiles that will melt your heart.  She and Charlotte have spent many hours running together in preparation for one race or another.  Jill is also the organizer of the 5k and 1 mile Fun Run which will be held October 15th in Cache Valley.

Tonight I stopped by Charlotte's house to drop off some dinner. I found her sitting at the kitchen counter with her youngest son, helping him with homework. He looked frustrated. I know she has a cold right now, and she looked tired. But patient. That's one thing about Charlotte that's always impressed me. She is so patient. She never lets things rattle her.

I've witnessed her boys climbing like monkeys all over the playground, making me bite my nails with nervousness as I worry they may fall. Charlotte keeps her cool, and assures me boys will be boys and I will soon see now that I have my own little baby boy.

I've seen Charlotte at 4:30 am as we boarded a bus the morning of the Bear Lake Marathon. I had been training for it for 6 months, and was anxious about the miles ahead, worrying over the weather, if I was overdressed, if I was underdressed (I would have been if Charlotte hadn't let me borrow an extra jacket she had brought along, just in case), if I had enough water in my water belt to last me between aid stations, if I was trained enough, and many other things. Charlotte had been training for the half marathon, but since it was filled up decided to sign up for the marathon instead. Although she hadn't been training for it, she kept her cool, knowing she could finish, and just her presence calmed my nerves.

Now I've seen my dear friend Charlotte learn she has cancer, calmly explain her situation to medical personnel over and over again, humbly accept meals and financial assistance from friends, family, and strangers, and continue to uplift everyone with her beautiful smile and sweet spirit. And she patiently waits to discover what the Lord has planned for her, trusting him with infinite faithfulness. I am so thankful to have Charlotte as such an example of patience in my life.

Can't Run the Race but want to help?

If you are unable to run the races, we still have plenty of opportunities for you to help! 

Here's how:

1. Sponsor the race! We are going to have an AWESOME prize table at the race and do a random drawing of the participants. We need a lot of prizes! We'll take anything from hair bows to camp stoves. If you don't have anything that you'd like to donate, a local sporting goods store will allow us to purchasing things at their cost, so cash donations are also welcome. Click here to see what sponsors receive! http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com/2011/07/sponsor-lottes-of-love.html
2. Volunteer! We need a lot of volunteers before (both the morning of the race and days leading up to), during, and after the race. Please contact me if you are available to help.  jmlwilliams@yahoo.com
3. Chip In! You can find the "Chip In" button on the right side of blog, http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com/. These donations go directly towards paying for Charlotte's medical expenses.
4. Spread the word! Please share this event and the blog, http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com/, with all your friends!
5. If you're just not into running, check out another upcoming event, Spooktacular Bunco! http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com/p/bunco.html

My running Partner

 The following post is written by Jill Williams a mother of two beautiful princesses and a handsome prince and they all have smiles that will melt your heart.  She is also the organizer of the 5k and 1 mile Fun Run which will be held October 15th in Cache Valley.

Jill and Charlotte running in the Blacksmith Fork Freedom Run 2010

Like Charlotte, I’m a runner. But I wouldn’t be half the runner I am if it wasn’t for Char. She’s helped me train for 2 half marathons and a full marathon, and I always look forward to running with her. Her pace is steady, and she pushes me, especially on hills, which seem to be her favorite type of terrain. I hope Charlotte gets well soon. I want my running partner back!

Just like her running, Charlotte is steady in her friendships. She doesn’t get overly excited about situations that some of us tend to blow out of proportion. She helps people to focus on the important things in life, to climb that next hill, achieve that next goal. And by example, she teaches us how critical it is to support each other through the trying times in life. The large group of friends organizing all these benefits for her do it because we know she would do the same for any of us if we were in that situation.

We have Lottes of Love for Charlotte!

Jill

We invite all of her family, friends, neighbors, and members of the Cache Valley community to attend a Lottes of Love Benefit 5k/1M on October 15, where proceeds will go towards helping Charlotte with her medical expenses. The races will start and end at Thomas Edison Charter School (where Charlotte works in the Special Education department) in Nibley, Utah.

Prizes will be given to the top 3 places in each race, as well as through a random drawing for all participants. Entry fee for the 5k is $25 and all entrants will receive a t-shirt, and start time for the race will be 9 am. The cost of the 1 mile is $10 without a t-shirt or $15 with a t-shirt, and families can register for $40 (families registration does not include t-shirts, but t-shirts may be purchased by registrants for $5 each), and start time is 10 am. Parents who want to run in the 5k may also assist their children with the 1 mile run at no additional cost. All entry fees will increase by $5 on October 1.

Click here for more information about the 5k and Fun Run and for information about how to register. 

Download Registration Form here