The Boise Girl With an Owl and a Heart of Gold

December of 2015 might be the scariest month of our life. Our 10 month old (at the time) Lennox was rushed to the hospital with a ruptured ulcer. That night, and those moments, replay in my mind all the time. I still see his little pale face and the fact he had no idea what was happening.

I realized at that moment that everyone was right.

“You’ll never experience love like the feelings you have for your own child.” - Every parent I’ve met in my life.

It was the first Christmas I’d ever spent in the hospital, and hopefully the last. That being said, I met the sweetest family, and strongest little girl, I know. We’d been posting updates on Lennox online so it wasn’t a secret that we were spending nights at the hospital. One day, a note and little owl arrived from a little girl. This sweet gift was addressed to Lennox Luv and let me tell ya - he loved it.

Come to find out this angel wasn’t just a fan of the station, but was a patient. She has severe kidney disease and spends every week in the hospital. EVERY WEEK. I took a few moments to visit and she was so drowsy that I had to come back later the first time I went to see her. My heart was broken as she sat laying there on the table knowing she might need a kidney transplant.

That being said, she was more concerned about our son Lennox than herself. Selfless. Resilient.

Five months later that same little girl showed up at this year’s Live for 175. This time she was standing before me with the biggest smile, a BIG hug and another little stuffed owl addressed to Lennox. I just thought how lucky we are to live in a place where love surrounds you when you’re not even looking. I will forever hold a place in my heart for her and that sweet family. I can’t imagine the anguish they go through on a daily basis and only wish that one day, they can sleep without worry. I would offer up one of my kidneys in a split second if it could save her life.

We all have problems right? Who am I to say that my issues are more important and serious than yours? What I’ve learned is there’s always someone who has it worse. We pedal on these bikes to send a message that we’re willing to stand together and show each other - you’re not alone.

So, here’s my daily kiss of kindness to my little angel - MUAH!