I have been informed by a little bird on my shoulder that I am slacking in the BLOG department. Ok yup I am !!!! And it was not for a lack of trying. I found some old videos that I wanted to upload and they are just not doing it. Eventually I hope.

We are all doing well. School is over and Hannah has been promoted to the 2nd grade. She has already spent a 3 night vacation at Aunt cyndi's house, her BFFL! It was cute to see her come home because she really missed her little brother!! We shall see how many years that will last!!

Hannah is all done with Dance. She had her recital which will be her last for now. She has made it clear that she does not want to continue dance class as of now. We will most likely look in to the Childrens arts and acting classes at the warner theater.

Elijah is on the move crawling every and standing everywhere. The world is no longer safe!!!!

My training is still going well. I officially begin marathon training in July. I feel great though which is very encouraging. I would like to complete more 5k races, but not until I can run the race in its entirety. I am about halfway there. My current pace is 10:30 miles. David is encouraging me to cross train more and I will definately start working more on that.

My fundraising efforts are going well too. I am up to $370 which is great. I have sent letters to local businesses in town hoping that they will contribute. We shall see though!

Good article

On Friday I was interviewed by the local paper here in Torrington about my request to run the Marathon and the fundraising efforts of AT. Can I tell you that the journalist was on the ball because it was in the paper the next morning? Front page I must add lol. He did a great job and I am happy with everything that he said.

Link Nurse runs to save lives

Another race complete

Yesterday marked the 32 annual Litchfield Hills Road Race. I joined about 1200 other runners for 7.1 mile journey in the blistering heat, sun and humidity. Like always my goals included finishing and of course not comming in last. I did both with 23 people comming in after me. My official time was 1:47. Dave, Elijah and Hannah came to support me and it was great to hear them cheering as I went through the finishing corral.

Last night we went to a great burger place called Red Robin. I only mention it because Dave took this great pic of Elijah!

This week has been especially difficult. Michaels services were on Thursday. It was a very emotional emotional day. A few of the moms from the moms board either drove or flew up to support Donna during her time. Donna and Pat were strong, and Jenna was an angel. Pat spoke in front of the church and I am sure there was no dry eye left. Michaels casket was metallic blue like his favorite transformer and lined in his transformer sheets. On top sat his Red Sox baseball cap. No one should have to go through what that wonderful family went through.

Here is the wonderful obituary that Donna wrote:

Michael Patrick Ptak
August 29, 2003 - May 31, 2008
Bristol, Connecticut

Michael Patrick Ptak, 4, of Bristol, CT was granted his angel wings unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

Born August 29, 2003 in Bristol, CT, he was the beloved son of Patrick and Donna (Duigou) Ptak. Michael`s winning smile melted the hearts of those around him; he was creative, full of energy and excited to play with his dinosaurs, transformers, star wars, rocks and anything he could stuff in his pockets. He loved the Red Sox, vacations, chocolate chip cookies, movies, stories, snuggling, singing and sleeping late. We called him a rock star. Michael (aka `little dude`) especially enjoyed lots of family and friends over his house.

With Michael`s passing we remind others that his life is to be celebrated, as he truly brought joy to all of our hearts and will remain in our hearts forever. We are thankful for the memories that were created with him. It has truly been a privilege to be in his life.

Michael leaves behind his loving parents Patrick Ptak and Donna (Duigou) Ptak, and best friend and sister Jenna Ptak, who absolutely adored him; his maternal grandparents, `Nana and Papa` Louis and Jeannette Marinelli; Louis and Judy Duigou; his paternal Grandparents,`Grammy` Robin Ptak and Joseph Ptak; Great Grandparents Louis and Emma DeNote; Aunt Joyce Ptak, Aunt Cory and Uncle William Glaspie, Uncle Joe Ptak, Godmother Aunt Chris Champney, Aunt Joan and Uncle Don Cloutier, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve Maraia, Godfather `Uncle` Greg Rettich, and many wonderful cousins and friends. Michael also leaves behind caregivers and teachers that provided him much love and support at Stafford PEERS Program and Liberty Baptist Daycare.

Private funeral and burial services for Michael will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2008. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The LaPorta-Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT 06790.

Memorial contributions in honor of Michael Ptak may be donated to an established fund at Farmington Savings Bank, 475 Broad Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Condolences may be sent to the Ptak family by visiting www.laportacookfuneralhome.com

Prayers please

Please say a prayer for my friend Donna and her family in Bristol. Her son Michael was run over by his dad in his driveway today in front of his sister who is Hannah's age. He did not survive. From my family to yours Donna, words cannot express my grief for you and your family.

Michael

Week in Review

Elijah and I took our last official drive down to Clinton on Weds. He is officially done with his DOC band!! We went to take pictures, measurements and a new casting. He did very well.

He went from a 15mm asymmetry which is severe to a 2mm asymmetry which is normal!!





Today I completed my first 5k run. I had 2 goals:
To finish
To not come in last

I accomplished both goals, although the last goal was only attainable because 2 women walked the last 1/2 mile. But I did it in a time of 39:11. The nice thing about the Lake compounce 5k is that they do it again at the end of July, so I can work on improving my time on the same course.

I also mentioned that I ran with a pulled calf muscle, a sore throat and a cough.

Next up is the Litchfield county road race next month.

Parents Cover Contest

Elijah is in the Parents Cover Contest. Follow this link to vote for him. This contest dosen't win on votes, but it helps his picture get higher on the radar. I have sent most of you links already but if not you can click HERE