Hopkins 4K for Cancer

July 6, 2006

Paonia, CO
Day 39

67 miles

Paonia, Co

Paonia, Colorado was another one of those towns I had never heard of before, but will never forget. 4k’ers had the privilege of enjoying another set of home-stays with a very generous community.

When we arrived at the church, we had to stay quiet because a funeral was going on beyond the church doors, reminding us to remember those passed.

Myself, Jake Koening, Chris Weier, Joe Siegel, and Dave Luongo enjoyed our stay with Mert and Judy. Their home was amazing. They took us in like family, and went above and beyond the call of a host.

Their godson, John Ball, was studying Bear Biology at the University of Montana, and regaled us with tales of his adventures in Grand Teeton National Park, chasing Grizzlies and collecting their stool.

At the community dinner, Jack Edwards shared an awesome story with us about his wife’s battle with cancer. He read her personal sermons and hand-written reflections about living with cancer. Mrs. Edwards as well as Jack’s courage inspired us all, and refueled our drive to complete this trip with a love and appreciation for life and humanity that gives credence to the incredible chance to simply be alive.

Keep Fighting,

Raffi