a night of courage and inspiration

Saturday evening, Ryan and I were privileged to join my mom and stepdad, and 700 other guests, for the annual Jim Thorpe gala at The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. My stepdad, Rick, was one of three being honored with a courage award. For the past 16 years, INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation has presented Courage Awards to individuals who display exceptional bravery and grace through the most difficult of circumstances.
For those who may not be familiar with Rick's story, he was hit from behind while riding his bicycle on March 1, 2009. He had to learn to walk, talk, dress himself, shave, everything that most people take for granted. Today he is back on a bicycle! Talk about a miracle! The night was amazing. It was filled with a lot of tears and I left feeling blessed to be able to share in the celebrating of what God had done in the lives of these three heroes. It was awesome.
Three individuals received a Courage award this year and all three definitely deserved it.

Rick Bacon, a Norman firefighter and an avid cyclist, was struck by a car while riding his bike. He sustained multiple injuries, including one to his brain. For the first time in his life, he says he was the one in need of rescue. “Here at the fire department I’ve made so many medical calls. I never dreamed I’d be one of them.” After re-learning some of life’s most basic skills, Bacon has made an amazing recovery. Through his determination, and with the support of his loving family and friends, Bacon has resumed an independent and active life.

Another award recipient was Jessica Boone. She was only 15 years old when tragedy struck during a skiing trip with her youth group. Instead of making a sharp left turn on one of the slopes, Boone went headfirst into a tree. That’s when life as she knew it took a detour. “Be merciful, be merciful,” her parents prayed. They asked God, “If she can survive and live then great, but if not, please take her.” (Her parents are absolutely amazing.) Remarkably Jessie did survive, though her prognosis was poor. Today, she continues to surprise everyone with her improvement. Her parents are beacons of faith, hope and courage in helping their daughter carry on through this difficult journey.

The third Courage award winner was Corey Wilson. He was a wide receiver for the University of Oklahoma and suffered a complete spinal cord injury in a car accident, leaving him paraplegic. Wilson had just finished winter workouts in Norman and was driving when a car clipped him from behind forcing his truck off the road. “I remember flipping the first time and that I couldn't scream,” remembers Wilson. “I just held onto the steering wheel and went with it. I flipped the first time and hit my head, then woke up in the grass.” His life would never be the same. While in rehabilitation, this hard-working athlete was an inspiration to others. Because of his diligence and perseverance, he was able to achieve his goal of walking onto Owen Field for Senior Day in front of thousands of cheering fans.

As a side-note: Corey and Rick were in ICU at OU at the same time.

and some of our pictures from the special occasion...

all dressed up!
I felt like I was going to prom. all that was missing was a wrist corsage!
our oldest son was taking the picture

Rick receiving his plaque from his doctor, Dr. Smith.

gorgeous

Rick and Jessie Boone, she is beautiful.

I just love her.
so.much.

she finally got him out there to dance with her.
he was the man of the night, everyone wanted to talk to him

L.O.V.E. this picture!
it will be framed

A HUGE "thank you" to my Aunt LaFreda for watching Miss G for me. I was able to enjoy the evening knowing she was in such loving hands!!