This Is Her Time

When it comes to juvenile diabetes...I don't rest. I can't rest because juvenile diabetes is a huge part of my life. A huge part that I hope to someday eliminate, but for the time being, it still remains a big part. I spend 364 days out of the year working towards day 365. That day, day 365, is the JDRF Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes. We take that one day to celebrate our accomplishments and feel proud about the money and awareness that we had raised throughout the year. Then the process starts all over again.

I am always looking to do more. How many fundraisers can we do? Who can I talk to about juvenile diabetes? How do I get more involved? These questions constantly hover in my mind. One thing that I have recently learned is that I can do more if I choose to step back.

Heather has always been the support in the background. Holding down the fort, while I travel and organize our different walk fundraisers and events. Recently, she decided that she wanted to take the lead. I knew this day was coming; when she took the lead, but I had no idea in what way, shape or form. She has always had the passion, but lacked the opportunity. She has the opportunity and is taking advantage of it.

Heather has made the bold decision to ride in the JDRF Ride for the Cure 100 mile Bike Ride in LaCrosse, Wisconsin this year. I am so proud of her for making this commitment. Usually, team Pump Princess sponsors a rider in this event, but this year, we are going to have our own rider. We are so excited for her and very proud.

Heather is making the commitment to do this ride knowing that she will endure a rigorous training schedule that will test her endurance and mind. She knows that she will be sore from all of the training and after the day of the ride. She knows that it will be emotional. She knows that she will be presented with excuses on why she shouldn't do it and will battle through those excuses.

She also knows that there will be a husband and 2 daughters standing at the finish line, waiting for her, no matter how long it takes, ready to embrace her and share her victory.

This is Heather's time. I can't begin to imagine what will be going through her mind as she pushes off to begin the 100 mile bike ride. What thoughts will flow through her mind as pain flows through her body. What victory feels like when the body is completely exhausted. This is her time...these are her thoughts.

I'm sure Heather will minimize the reasoning for doing this when asked, but I know better, I know she has a huge fighter that lives inside that little body of hers, that is ready to put on the gloves and start battling. This is her time.

This is when I step back.

I will be her biggest fan and her biggest supporter without a doubt. I will help her raise the necessary funds to complete her journey. I will care for our kids while she trains. I will make it possible for her to achieve this goal. I will stand in the background.

Heather is not one who does a lot of speaking in front of others when it comes to juvenile diabetes. I don't expect that to change with this journey. Actions do speak louder than words and right now, with her commitment to do this for Micheala, me and the other juvenile diabetics in the Eastern Iowa area, she is standing on a mountain top screaming at the top of her lungs.

I ask that all of you include Heather in your prayers, as she begins this journey. Pray that she continues to have a passion filled heart and pray that she remains healthy.

This is her time.