what a weekend...

Well this weekend has come to an end, the last person just walked out the door from our impromptu Superbowl Party hosting 25 people :), and the weekend is officially over. Saturday was an AMAZING celebration of 2 incredible men. I have never been so inspired in my life. Heath and I talked about how the Ultimate Journey of Bill & Patrick inspired us to be better people, better parents, better friends, better everything. They were two very amazing men who are definitely leaving a huge legacy on many people. There were over 1,000 people at their celebration, most wearing bright festive colors to honor them. This was not to be a day of grieving it was a day of honoring, and that we definitely did. Wow...is all I can say. Erynn, your strength every day ceases to amaze me. I love you so much and would do anything in the world for you and your family. Heath and I have never felt so welcome with anyone's family so quickly. We were honored to sit with you in the 'immediate family' section...blown away that we even came to mind...your family has now become ours and we are honored to be a part of you guys forever :) We love you so much!
Sunday was the half-marathon. Heath couldn't sleep all night...it was such an awesome day. There were 35 supporters on the sidelines proudly sporting our beautiful shirts...He ran in rememberence of his dear friend. Patrick was definetly with Heath today. He ran his fastest time yet. Coming in at 1 hour and 49 minutes and 16 seconds. Their pace every day leading up to this was right around 2 hours. Thanks Patrick, for pushing him along. :) He needed it. I am so proud of Heath for sticking with his and Patrick's goal and pushing his way through this...even though he was 'alone' without his running buddy.

Bad picture from iPhone, but this is Patrick and Heath before their 10 mile run one day..

Me and Erynn

Standing on the sidelines

Heath excited to be crossing the finish line!

Heath with one of his best friends Brandon

Mom and I

Amazing group of supporters! xoxoxox

Erynn and I at lunch after the marathon...exhausted...oh and the server was obsessed with bringing us drinks..this is after 10 minutes...we must have looked dehydrated :)

We have shared many stories about Patrick and Heath's running times lately...and I just have to tell some of them, because they make me smile. Erynn and I used to joke that they were lovers because they spent more time together when with us.... :) Well anyway, one day, they were running along together and Patrick had to spit so he turned to the left and did so...not realizing there was a lady on a bike coming up on his side to pass him...he spit right on her...she kept on riding along but Heath and Patrick got a good laugh out of it...Another time they were running with Patrick's dog Duke, and suddenly Duke dashed in front of them almost causing them to fall flat on their face...Heath asked Patrick if it was because he got scared and Patrick laughed and said 'Ha, no he saw a duck in the pond flying away and has been trained to chase them when we hunt with him'. Those of you that know Patrick know he was a big time hunter and trained his dogs VERY well...so this made him proud :) They used to also get tired after running for hours and would occasionally bump into each other or touch hands...he said they would laugh about it and say 'oh, sorry dude, so sorry'...haha men and their complexes...makes me laugh...
I will never forget the night of Heath's birthday. This is the night I realized what a true friend and amazing person Patrick was. It was a Tuesday night and Heath and I didn't have any plans because we all know...his bedtime is 9:30 on weekdays...I asked him if he wanted to do anything and he said no his friends were probably all busy anyway and it was a weeknight. Patrick then called him and said he was taking him out, not asked him...told him :) Heath hesitated because of his strict schedule...haha...but Patrick convinced him and he gave in. They went out that night just for a couple beers and to chat, but Heath will never forget it. To some this may seem so small..but to us..its these small things that are huge...It is the small thoughtful things in life like this that we really remember...not the big parties we throw or the planned occasions, but the times your friends step out to do something for you when you aren't expecting it. Patrick was always thinking of others, and always wanting to spend time with his friends and family. He was always inviting Heath and I to go to dinner, play golf (it was quite an obsession)... :), come over to watch Sunday night football, or just go out with the boys. He never made excuses for anything and was always up for spending time with his friend and family...I am sure he is really glad now that he was the way he was and cherished every moment he had with them...I doubt he had many regrets about what he should have done or wish he would have not missed....he definitely lived his life to the fullest...It was evident where his priorities were and it made us proud to be his friend...his priorities in life were his incredible family and great friends...and it definitely showed...when all is said and done, those 2 things are the most important...family...and friends...not your job, your house, the car you drive, where you live...none of that matters....when you go to heaven, you can't take any of that stuff with you...all you can take is your wonderful memories with those you love and eventually your family and friends will be the ones to join you. As sad as it is to see such a great, caring man go to heaven so early...we are thrilled to have known him, call him our friend and honored that he touched our hearts and lives forever...and proud to tell him...we will See You in Heaven!

Bill & Patrick Rooney