It was about 0430 hours on Thanksgiving morning and Theresa and I were up making final arrangements for the Thank You Run 5K, 10K, and Kid's Run/Walk. In the predawn darkness, the fatigue of the week leading up to the run was setting in. With any challenge undertaken, there are times when you begin to wonder what you were thinking when you set the bar so high.

By race start time, everyone was surviving off adrenaline and probably the fear an errant runner would end up running up Black Mountain. After mayoral candidate and former Marine hero Nathan Fletcher spoke, local Del Norte High School student and Glee Club member, Maria Touvannas began singing our national anthem over a hushed gathering of runners, walkers and, yes, families. She was amazing! The fatigue and doubt I had been feeling disappeared in seconds.

Probably the highlight of the day was seeing over 100 kids lining up to start the Kid's Run.  They were so excited.  Some were biting their lower lips as they tightened their little fists waiting for the CHP Police Officer to start his siren to initiate the run.  I had them launch about a minute late so all those parents could take a few extra pictures of this special moment. The Fire Department then turned on their overhead emergency lights as the kids raced by. It made me wish I could capture this moment in an email and send it to the few who thought we were Mr. and Mrs. Grinch.  A child's smile is the ultimate cure for what ails you.

Have a great week!  Hope to see you and your family next Thanksgiving.