We live in a community of runners. A lot of the credit likely goes to the Crim, specifically their training program. I watched my first Crim from the sidelines in 2009 and decided, after seeing people of all shapes, sizes and abilities doing it and owning it, that I was going to give it a try. I believed I could, especially after seeing that a lot of participants mixed running with walking; I had no idea you could walk when you were doing a “run!” (You can, much to the consternation of hard-core runners.)

I have recently learned something life-changing: I love marrying people! Between last October and this July, I married ten people. Oh, I guess that sounds bad. Clarification: I did not get married to ten people, I performed five weddings. Yes, I am a legal officiant. It all happened quite accidentally. I was reading an article about Tori Spelling (don’t judge), who had a reality show with her husband (to whom I think she is still married but I haven’t read a tabloid in a while). In the show, they owned a bed and breakfast and Tori performed wedding ceremonies. She went on and on about how easily she became an ordained minister.

A tear rolled down my cheek and splashed the greeting card in my hands as I read, Your blood donation made a real difference. I felt so much better and stronger. I am in Heaven now, but your gift bought me precious time with my family that I might not have had otherwise. Love, Stretch