St. Louis Zoo Crossing Bridge...

...Saturday morning I headed to the St. Louis Zoo. Nine years and 4 days ago, a son, brother and child was killed by a drunk driver on a field trip with his class. I am so lucky to have this boy's mother be a part of my life. Angie was with her son, Luke, and his classmates when a drunk driver sped down the street outside the St. Louis Zoo and onto the sidewalk where he took Luke's life. His classmates, his mother, the other parents, and everyone in Angie and Luke's life had their world turned upside down on that May afternoon in 2001.

Almost nine years later, the zoo along with federal grant money and funds from Wachovia have decided to make the zoo a safer place so that no parent would have to take their child to the zoo in fear for their safety. This past Saturday, a wonderful plaque dedication ceremony was put on and I think Luke helped us out with the gorgeous weather that made a surprise appearance after a week of rain, rain, rain.
The weather has put the bridge process a little behind so it's not quite done but its pretty close. Luke's family were the first people to walk across the bridge and his classmates from the field trip were right behind them still showing their love and support. I think this picture pretty much sums up everything. A mother who has endured so much but has never given up the fight. Angie is a member of M.A.D.D. and helped to get the bridge at the zoo. So the next time you see this plaque after you safely cross the bridge and are about to enjoy a fun-filled day at the zoo, take a minute to say a prayer for Luke and Angie and the rest of his family and friends because not a day goes by that he isn't thought about and missed.
Angie, thank you for letting me be a part of this dedication and thank you for all your support and encouragement in my running endeavors. You truly are an inspiration for so many reasons and to so many people.