I'm a bit early for Saber and late for Tsunami, so they get to share their celebration ;)
Almost two years ago, I adopted Saber.... or Saber adopted me. We just seemed to match and everything just seemed to work. There was an adjustment time as I learned more about wheelchairs in general, my mom helped me customize the material and find the most comfortable bag, and I finally figured out how to adjust everything. Saber has helped me experience more in the last couple years than I would have been able to if I had stayed completely on my feet.
Saber, you have patiently waited for me at countless race finishes (and you're happy to take the glory by going up with me to collect some awards), gone with me to many trail runs, accepted that I was going to take you hiking, through mud and puddles, and any other adventure I could figure out, you have helped me cheer at races, you enjoyed your very first visit to Disneyland (complete with a ride on the carousel and a 1st visit button) and DisneyWorld, you've enjoyed every trip since then as well, you have gone camping with me, up in an airplane, on boats, participated in our Relay For Life twice so far, we even joined the circus together..
You have saved me more times than I can count, simply by being there, ready to roll along with me. Thank you, Saber, for choosing me and for not putting up too much of a fight whenever I push you into the next adventure.
And just over a year ago, Tsunami was born. Made just for me, and named before she was even fully conceptualized. I fought for almost nine months to get her and the day I brought her home was wonderful. We fit together perfectly and our first runs together were great. Again, there was an adjustment in transitioning from Phil, figuring out all the velcro, the proper pushing technique, and just getting comfortable.
Tsunami, you were a dream come true, sponsored by some of the best people I know (even some I didn't) and you still sing with their cheers and encouragement every time we hit that start line.. and even more with each mile we get closer to every finish line. I think I spoiled you with the Dopey Challenge as your first race because you have only wanted to go faster and farther since then. You experienced my very first marathon with me (and the second one), hung with me during our first fall, you have been patient with me whenever we couldn't train, you are always glad to run with friends and you are happy to meet new ones, you hate trails, but you will endure them for me, and you have taken me up to speeds I never would have run without you.
You have also saved me more times than I can count, in pushing me to be better, to train harder, to keep my body healthy. Thank you, Tsunami, in getting me from start to finish, but also for letting me enjoy the journey in between... and for being an important part of Team Tsunami, in helping me encourage others to come play with us!
Happy Birthday to you, Saber and Tsunami!!! Thank you for coming into my life and changing it for the better, I don't even want to imagine where I would be without either one of you....
*** I feel really bad.. after all that, I realized I forgot about Bumblebee, my Freewheel. Trusty Bumblebee, always ready to help out when needed, is also a little over a year old. Bumblebee was given to me kind of like a Christmas puppy (a gift from some wonderful people!)... and has been just as loyal. Thank you, Bumblebee, for being forever ready to just come out and play with me and Saber!
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