STRENGTH - HOPE - FAITH - COURAGE

I had just gotten home from doing a 7-mile run down at Pony Pasture along the James River when Matt and his Mom called to ask if they could stop by..."Matt has something for you for when you are training and something for when you are not training." I didn't know what to think. When they arrived, he told me that he had been fighting the "creeping crud" that has been afflicting a lot of us and had to have a transfusion to "boost his immune system." He missed some school last week, too! He looked great, but a bit tired, nonetheless.

When Matt was diagnosed, his parents Dennis and Debbie had bracelets made that simply state: STRENGTH - HOPE - FAITH - COURAGE. Today, Matt presented me with one of those bracelets...and another one he had made especially for me...beautiful topaz, crystal and silver beads...with a heart toggle and a silver cancer ribbon...and in the center his name - MATT - in silver blocks.

And then...he told me something that made my heart leap..."I'm back training with the TRACK TEAM at school! I'm hoping to run the 100 meter dash and, maybe, the 4 X 100 relay for Collegiate this season!"

Now, hours later...I am looking at my wrist...with my two very precious bracelets...my new treasures...from a strong, hopeful, faithful and courageous young man. I am humbled beyond words...