Hike

I know that I have said that it never ceases to amaze me how Andy just keeps popping up in our lives, but it bears repeating.
This past week, we learned Troy Yocum, the Iraqi war veteran that is walking across America to raise money for Military families in need, is dedicating his walk through Eastlake to Classic Park in Andy's honor! Troy is a very special man with a dedication to his cause that many of you will relate to.
As always, it is such a mixed blessing: joy that Andy is never forgotten along with the pain of missing him. I grasp at whatever I can to cope with the loss of Ace; sometimes it is watching one of his "home" movies. It might be reading one of his letters or one of  emails that I saved. Many times it is just remembering Andy.

There was the time he called his police chief in sick so that they could eat breakfast together and then go to the St. Paddy's Day parade or the time he pimped out his police car and almost gave his Captain a coronary! In case you are wondering, his "alterations" consisted of: skulls for locks, a hula girl on the dash, a disco ball light and, the best part: Ace  lined up big, yellow smiley faces on the back window for anyone riding in the back to enjoy! When we drove to Grand River after Ace was killed, the Captain picked us up in that same police car. I smiled while riding in the back seat.:-)I guess we should always look at what we can smile about as opposed to what makes us sad, angry or indifferent.
Back to Troy. I am sure that Andy and other fallen heroes like Josh Harmon, Brian Montgomery and David Baker are walking step for step with Troy. They are supporting their brother, every inch of the way, in this grand endeavor. For me, I will be at Classic Park on Thursday, cheering on Troy and what he represents, hoping that I can take a few steps with him in honor of our fallen and I know that my Ace will be next to me, smiling, matching stride for stride.
If you want to read more about Troy, here is his web site:   http://drumhike.com/



Thank you for reading.
Sheila
  "There is nothing to be unhappy about"- Ace Nowacki