Humbled-

...there simply isn't another word that could encompass the emotions that washed over me as I looked out at the sea of faces surrounding our family that Sunday morning.  Familiar faces of old friends, new friends, and family.  Unfamiliar faces patiently waiting for my trembling voice to share our story.

The SaMercy Fund was honored to be chosen by Coal Road CrossFit to be the beneficiary of their 6th annual Shamrock Run, held on Sunday March 10th, in La Plata, MD.  

My hometown.  

That little place where our family landed in 1982, the sweet small town that caught us and sucked us in, just like we had always been there.  

And in some ways, it's as though some of us have never left. Because that little place keeps right on holding us up, coming out to support our cause, our family, our mission-even when some of them never met my children, or held their soft, squishy hands, or shared a smile and a moment with them.  

They keep loving us and showing us that Sam and Mercy still matter.  That what happened to my family matters.  That they still love us.  

For the past 3 1/2 years, that community has given incredible rise to our Fund, backing us whenever we ask and stepping out to support us.  Every. single. time. 

So, I'm humbled.  

Thankful. 

And sappy.  

Sad, but happy.  Sad, because I never wanted to be in charge of fund that honored my dead kids.  Sad because I never envisioned my life being about helping other grieving families, finding ways to get through to people about the importance of ATV/UTV Safety, or writing a story that regularly makes people cry. 

Happy-because my heart was buoyed by the love we were surrounded by and the love that continues to snap us back to standing when we fall.  Which happens often, so often.  Because when you're broken in this many pieces, they fall apart- A LOT. 

Cindy, Mike, Ashley, Siggy, Whit, and Kristen-I am beyond blessed by each of you and your efforts for our family and Fund.  I'm thankful for your friendship and your prayers, your love, support and the hearts that each of you wears on your sleeve.  

For my family, especially including the FRAMILY that shows up every single time-both in spirit and in person when you can-You know who you are.  I adore you.  I'm in awe of the ways in which God has worked in my life and the lives of my family to bring each of you to bear on our lives.  

I love you guys-

every one of you.

And I'm just stunned by the final number that was raised and donated to The SaMercy Fund...

$18,000!!!!!!!

Once again, my friends and all those who came out in support-

THANK YOU! 

as always, 

with love, 

in Christ, 

clan mac mama