Miracle Man

Today was one of those full circle, miracle kind of days.

I haven’t talked about the following situation a lot here, only a couple of times. But, it has meant the world to me.

Very suddenly in February, my son Sam’s teacher, Mr. Cribby, was hospitalized with a deadly bacterial infection. The infection ravaged his 47 year old body very quickly and relentlessly. In a desperate attempt to save his life, he was flown by helicopter to Denver with surgeons waiting. His left arm and shoulder were amputated and he remained in the ICU for over two months. He was critical for much of that time and losing him was a real possibility.

Slowly, he began to recover. His trache was removed, his lungs became restored, he opened his eyes, he ate applesauce. He smiled. He told his wife he loved her.

Mr. Cribby is no ordinary dude. He is one of the most insightful, good-humored, strong, stubborn, real and encouraging people you or anyone else will ever have the honor of meeting.

While running Boston, I wore my Cribby bracelet that simply said: “Strength. We R 4 Cribby.” I touched it often during the race when times got tough and remembered that if Mr. Cribby could fight for his life so tirelessly I could certainly finish the damn race.

Just yesterday, Mr. Cribby was released from the hospital. It is truly a miracle. For so long, we really did not know if he would make it. Now, he will likely return to teaching in the fall. My son gets to have the incredible experience of being taught once again by this amazing teacher and mentor.

I have cried and cried over this tragic event. And now I can’t stop smiling.

But, that’s not all.

For the last month a few of us have worked to organize a 5K Fun Run to raise funds for Mr. Cribby. That run happened this morning. Over 700 people signed up and came out on this chilly Colorado morning.

Including Mr. Cribby. 

7th grade “Cribby” team:

I managed the aid station:

My mom and dad even showed up. My dad likes to do 5Ks with his eyes closed:

Shut Up and Run was a sponsor:

I can’t tell you what this has meant for our community. What a story of inspiration and love this has been. Now, I’m crying again, but it’s because of happiness and gratitude, not fear and desperation.

Once again we are reminded how quickly life can take a turn. How important it is to love and take it all in. How today, this hour, this moment is all we’ve truly got. Live so you don’t have regrets, ever.

We R 4 Cribby. And he’s going to make it.

SUAR

Hey, and if you like what you read here, please vote for me by clicking the pink circle in the upper right hand corner of the blog. I’ll love you for it.