Days with the Dorans

  Well, somehow I pulled it together! We were able to do a Second Annual Because of Andrew 5k run/walk (or rollerblade-Dan, Scoot- Sean & TZ, kayak-Pam). I was later in planning this. There has been so much going on from Christie being sick, school, just the regular chaos of momming four kids. I was SO touched by all that showed up for the run! Old friends and new friends, and running friends, and people I didn't even know! We ran the Air Line Trail this year and boy was it HOT! I was going to walk because my foot has been really bugging me- it's like there's a rock in it- but momentum overtook me and I ran. In addition to our family, Nana, Papa, Uncle Dan, TZ, Ellie, Matt, Sam and Dave all joined us live! It was so awesome! This year I made it FREE to everyone and just asked people to make a donation. I liked it this way better- it may not have made as much money but people could spread kindness in their own unique ways which was awesome! We did raise over $2000 for th...

  This was the post I made on social media describing this awesome day: Words cannot begin to describe how full my heart is right now! Thank you to all who came out from all over the world! (Special shout out to my UK peeps running at 11:45pm!!). @bemags3 on the mic! AMAZING! All of it! So thankful to be part of the @chargerunning family! Here are some highlights of my day but I have so MANY MANY more thanks to all the pictures you dropped tonight! Over $2300 raised for @rileykatherynfoundation and you can still donate if you want! But especially... thank you @jonasendoran for being the sweetest soul~ who got me through my darkest days and makes me want to be and do better. I love you so very much! Happy 17th birthday! And again, thank you all for remembering and joining us #BecauseOfAndrew & Joey~ #TheBoyWhoLived I loved that my childhood college best friend and childhood best friend were able to join us too! I also put together a video of everyone who shared pictures that y...

  I never work on September 15th. I like being able to Separate my Joey and Andrew time.  That way I can get out my sad for Andrew so I can be totally present for my Joey! I went to Andrew's garden and wore his shirt. I took my journal and I did a kind act because of him. It felt good and was a great way to start the day. But gosh, this day is always hard no matter how much time goes by. I loved leaving flowers on a stranger's car in the ER parking lot. I hope that it made them smile! After the garden I drove by our old house- the last place Andrew was alive. Feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago in the same breath.

I'm so excited!! We're doing a virtual run through my obsession (Charge Running) #BecauseOfAndrew and we're hoping to raise money for my friend's charity! Joey told me that he hates that his birthday is my worst day- but I reminded him that it's also my BEST day! I still can't believe it will be 20 years! We had things written on the back and I had to get two shirts.  It's going to be a great day!

 September 15th is always divided into two parts. I hate when it falls on a weekend but I still had time to do my thing which included a visit to the garden and me spreading some kindness "Because of Andrew." I went and got some flowers and this year just left them on a car at the hospital near the emergency room entrance. I know that in the past I've loved handing them to people but I just wanted to be quiet and by myself. I can't believe it's been 16 years. Sixteen is a thought that crossed my mind along with first dates, homecomings, and best men in weddings... I always wonder if a birthday will come where I don't cry- but it hasn't happened yet. I love that kind acts were done all over "Because of Andrew" and that made the day better. I didn't do balloons this year well... because... turtles. But I did get some bubbles and blew them and watched them go up. It worked for me. When I got home, I saw these flowers in my dr...