Staci Hoover (Mitch's Cousin)
I am the oldest cousin on our side of the family. I vividly remember being jealous of the slew of girls and boys that were born close together. I remember organizing the Christmas plays (Mitch made the spaziest baby Jesus ever!) as well as being a human jungle gym. Jeff, Mitch and my broher Kevin would run around like maniacs. The flashback of those moments stir up fond and random memories. I remember Mitch's bowl haircut, his boundless energy, how lean and muscular he was as a kid. I remember ever time he walked it seemed like his bounce was so full of energy that a simple step just wouldn't do. One family Chrismas when Mitch was a junior high I remember him sharing through tears with the family how much he loves his mother and wants her to be healed from lupus. Mitch was so much more than that jump in his step; his heart was one of profound love for those around him. I had never seen that side of him until that Christmas evening a dceade ago. How lucky was I.
As a teen, I was so full of adolescent angst (sorry mom and dad!). Although I accepted the Lord at a young age I didn't claim His Promises for my own until my early 20's. I feel connected to Mitch because his path was a bit rocky as well. In the end that faith he claimed was so strong and so evident, instead of being bowled over my Mitch's presence, I was bowled over by the presence of God working through Mitch.
The evening of Mitch's passing; my Auntie called and said that Mitch was in Heaven. I layed on our cold kitchen floor for a good hour in shock. The Lord wanted Him.
Mitch was active in many ways athletically. As an athlete myself, how can I continue Mitch's legacy by using my athletic talents? I will be honoring Mitch by doing a triathlon to help raidse money for his foundation. I realize that if Mitch were still with us today he would call me a complete idiot for what I'm about to take on! Those honest, feisty comment are something I miss. This one's for you Mitch, I will take talents God has given me, much like you and finish the race we are called to complete.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait oon the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will Walk and not grow faint.
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