"HE'S AN OLD SOUL"

In the last few days I have had this constant thought of sharing with you some of the many act of kindness I have caught Lota do or the sweet words he says to others to help them feel better.  But each time I let it pass by and move on.  Today that same thought came again and it was impossible to ignore.

Let me start here:

On the last day of school (last week Thursday) Lota did one of the most selfless thing I have ever seen an 8 year old boy do.  As a goodbye gift, Lota neatly signed his name on his Park City Wild Half medal and gave it to his teacher. I stood there trying my best to hold back tears, as this sweet woman held my little Lota as she wept tears of love for a boy she's grown to love and treasure this schoolyear.  My heart was about to burst for both of them.  Lota loves his teacher.  Ms. Bird loves and cares for Lota so much.  I have felt it.

Of the many wonderful things she said about Lota that day, I will always remember this.

"He's an old soul", she said while trying to hold back her tears. It was impossible. We both cried.  We cried tears of gratitude, hope and love for Lota.

She was perfectly right.  Lota is truly an old soul. 

Today as I was cleaning my boys room, I came across a card written by Lota for his little brother.  It was short and sweet.

I smiled. I cried.  I read it over and over again. And as I read, memories of Lota's acts of love and selflessness flooded my mind. Lota has always been such a giving, loving and gentle soul. I just wasn't paying close attention to how special he really is.  Memories like this one from the hospital.  

My other kids were getting ready to leave for home after visiting Lota.  It was a hard visit for my 6 year old son (Lota's baby brother and only brother). Sefa did not want to leave the hospital without his big brother. He cried and begged to stay.  It is against hospital rules for kids to stay so Lota reached out for his baby brother and hugged him and comforted him that day.  It helped his little brother feel a little better.  I took a video because I wanted to remember that moment forever. 

Memories like this one from last summer when we were volunteering at the This is The Place Heritage Park.  

~ My Facebook post from August 7th, 2014 ~

"Lota truly has a big heart. We've been volunteering at the This is the place park every other Wednesday this summer. Yesterday, while we were there, I took Lota and his siblings to the candy store. Lota had $1.25 to spend. As I was waiting for him to pay, I heard him ask the cashier

"Is this for tips?" 

"Yes". The cashier responded. 

And then I heard the sound of a coin being dropped into the jar of coins.

My heart skipped a beat. My son only had $1.25 to spend and he still gave the cashier a tip???!!!!! As we walked out he said "Mom, I gave the guy my quarter for a tip. It was the biggest money I had" I smiled as I held back tears of joy and gratitude. Speaking would have made me cry. This kid has a loving heart and I am learning so much from him."

And another Facebook post from during a trail run last summer.

"You know you've been slacking on cardio when you go on a run/hike with your 7 year old and he keeps stopping to coach you up a hill or just to make sure you're Ok. My biggest inspiration and motivator kept calling "Come on Mom. Run!!" I think it's time to get back on it. ‪#‎mysoninspiresme‬ ‪#‎myboylovestorun‬‪#‎runningforkidswhocant‬ ‪#‎runningisgoodforthebodyandsoul‬ " (August 26th 2014)

I feel so much love, gratitude and joy for this "old soul" my Heavenly Father has trusted me to love and guide in this temporary life. There is so much more I need to learn from Lota. There is so much more I have yet to learn. But one thing I do know and have learned this far; Lota is a divine gift; an old gentle soul.  Therefore, I must share his light and love with others. I must allow his light, love and selflessness to touch others lives and bring happiness to them too. 

Much Love, 

~Lota's Mom. 

THE SPIRIT OF THE TRAILS

The Start Line:

Lota was smiling from ear to ear.  He was having a hard time containing his excitement.  He couldn’t stand still.  He kept pulling pranks on his siblings, his Dad and I. His little sister was enjoying the fun mood Lota was in.  She kept making faces at him and doing silly poses to embarrass her brother. 

As more and more runner filled the Start Line of the Park City Wild Half, the more I felt those “Mommy Butterflies" in my stomach. This is Lota’s longest race since his 4th brain surgery. The one that shook me to my core. He was suppose to bounce back with no problem but he struggled this time around and as his Mom, I am constantly worrying about him. I knew Keith will be out there on the trails with Lota and the girls but that never stops me from worrying. I guess that’s the Mom in me.  

A runner walked by and said Hi. She was sporting her superhero running gears.  My four year old is intrigued and started asking questions. The runner introduced herself.  She told us that she went from being in and out of a wheelchair for five years after a very serious parachute accident in the military and several surgeries to running ultra races and marathons.  And then she told me how she donates every mile she runs to a sweet little boy named Alex who has passed away from cancer. Keith and I were truly inspired. 

I knew Alex.  Alex made a great impact in my life.  He was the first child with cancer that I had the honor to meet.  I still remember his adorable smile that day when I asked to take a picture with him. Even though he was so tired, he agreed and smiled for our picture.  As she told her story, the Mommy Butterflies slowly leave me. A great feeling of peace filled my heart.  

As I looked around me, I saw many people who weren’t there just to run a personal best that day. I saw people who run for Hope. I saw people who run for little Warriors who are fighting with us from the other side.  I saw people who run for a bigger purpose than themselves.  I saw and felt the warmth of the Spirit of the Trails.  

I knew this would be one of the hardest race Lota will ever run.  I knew he was running this race for himself.  I knew he will be a stronger fighter with each mile her conquers on the trail and I wanted him to be alright out there.

Crossing the Finish Line:

Lota finally crossed the finish line at 3:32 minutes (He ran this race at 2:58 minutes last year).   He was greeted by cheers and applause from those who waited patiently for him to finish.  Some of them had crossed the finish line over 3 hours earlier. In the midst of their applause for Lota, I also heard a subtle but clear sound.  It was calm and gentle. It glided by me with ease as I stood there with admiration for my boy.  It sent a feeling of peace and reassurance through me.  I felt the Spirit of the Trails was right there, gently handing my boy back to me. Letting me know,  my boy is alright. Letting me know Lota overcame more than 13.1 miles that day. Letting me know I don't have to worry so much. 

"Thank You Mom" 

As I stood in the kitchen Sunday morning, Lota walked up to me and gave me a hug.  He is smiling from ear to ear again.  “Thank you Mom, for supporting me with my race yesterday.  I had a really good time”, he said.  I wanted to melt. I squeezed him right back. My heart smiled with gratitude.  The Spirit of the Trail is Alive within my boy. I am grateful to finally feel of its presence. 

Yesterday Lota did a video to re-tell his experience from Saturday.  Re-telling is very important as he work to improve his memory during his recovery.