Walters' Family 5K

Last Saturday was a busy day for us! We began the day at the Millbury Fire Station, where the first annual Walters' Family 5K was beginning. I have posted in the past about my sweet Maddie Walters that was in my class this year. This girl has taught me so much this year. I absolutely love her and will miss her like crazy now that she is a third grader! She has twin cousins that she lives with that are going to be second graders next year and I'm really hoping I get them in my class. Our school doesn't do requests but her aunt told me that she mentioned to my principal that she'd really like to have me again so hopefully I get them.

Anyways, Miss Maddie lost her mom, dad and brother a year ago and her world was flipped upside down. But through the grace of God and the love of her amazing family she is doing wonderfully! I can't imagine the thoughts she still has to have when she lays her head down on her pillow at night, but I can tell you that she made the honor roll all year, was a model student, a perfect example of a great friend and helpful classmate and she seemed like a happy second grader every day at school! I don't think I can even begin to tell you how much I was amazed by this sweet girl!

Her family and some friends organized a 5K walk in honor of her parents and brother. Her parents were very involved in education and so the proceeds from this event were being put into a memorial scholarship in their names for students attending Owens Community College majoring in early childhood education and computers, her parents careers respectively. Maddie got to say "get ready, get set, go!!!" to start the race and she was pretty proud of that. She even ran the race with her family! When I heard about the race I went to my family and asked if they would like to participate for this cause. My parents, grandma, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, cousin, husband and daughters all signed up! Wes ran the race while the rest of us walked with the kids in wagons. Wes finished 36th, which was 2nd overall for his age group! He got a medal! Grandma also finished first for her age group and got a medal, as well! Wes, grandma, aunt Shirley and I all won door prizes so we did pretty well! The day was a success with over 300 people in attendance! It was a wonderful morning and I plan to participate in this event for as long as they have it! I love you, Maddie and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful year!