There are angels in Transformation, and I want everybody to know about it.
I’ve been just overflowing with joy since this morning. I’ve been in tears most of that time, absolutely in awe of the generosity in this community. I’m going to have to back up a couple of days to explain.
I committed to the ½ marathon the other day. I said at the time that it was a leap of faith because I had no idea how I was going to get to Denver. I had sent Clarissa an e-mail asking her if she thought it was foolishness or a leap of faith to make plans. Her response was simple; follow your heart. What I didn’t realize was that she was speaking to somebody else with those same words.
Yesterday, I posted a blog about that leap of faith. I included Clarissa’s response. One of my transformation family members read it, and those three words leapt off the screen. He says that’s what led his heart into what he wanted to do. I didn’t know about any of this until today.
This morning, I got a call from Sky High Travel. My Denver trip had been donated.
The poor woman there had to ask if I was okay. I was in tears for quite a while. It must have been more than 5 minutes before I could even answer her questions to finish the arrangements. I had to sit down before my legs gave out. Picture the Championship videos where Bill unexpectedly walks in the door. That was me. I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, love, awe, amazement, and a hundred other positive emotions all at once.
I had an idea who it was, but I wanted to confirm it before I said anything. I was about ready to burst with it as I moved around the community today. Well, it’s confirmed and I have permission to announce what he’s done.
Eric, you have given me a gift that reached into the very bottom of my heart. You are my angel and I will be honored, humbly and gratefully honored, to run that last mile with you in Denver. God Bless you, my friend. Thank you.
Joe had it right. There is magic happening in my life, and my heart is wide open.
God Bless the Transformation community. You are my family, and I thank God for all of you.

Amazing Tristan and thank you so much for that post. I am new to thise family and I truly understand or am beginning to understand what that word means here. I am overcoming a cynicism about life in general, part of the reason I wanted this group to grow. It's hard to feel the positive at times when the negative tries to overwhelm but then there are instances like your post and a couple of emails from Rohan and Coach Stoney that brings tears to my eyes. I had forgotten the longest time how to belive in what can't be seen. Matter of fact it sparked a much neglected memory that has started that very flow of joy. I was 16 and at home with my mother and my two brothers. We were poor borderline desolate and Christmas, it seems, was going to be more of another day on the calender. My mother was devastated, she was able to get a couple of small things for my brothers but Christmas dinner was going to be boxed mac and cheese and hot dogs. and unsure what was to be had the next day. It was a low day. Our tree was pressed against the far corner because I had pulled it from the woods, and half the needles were ripped off. Anyway, it wasn't the best. IT was something out of a movie, the snow was falling and it was Christmas eve, and there was a knock on the door. I opened it, and found a man dressed in a full blown Santa Suit and asked if this was the Nutting residence. I said it was and he proceeded to a large red dodge ram. I saw him trudge back in the snow with that mystical red bag, well not so mystical as it was bulging and he came inside. My mother had no idea what to make of it. He had pulled out several gifts, seemingly picked for each of us as well as a Christmas dinner fit for a king, not to mention a gift certificate to pick up food to get through the month. He simply smiled and nodding and wished us a merry christmas and headed to his truck and then drove off. I was unable to make out the plate, but I spent the next year trying to find out who that was and to this day, I haven't a clue. Those times, when life hits you the hardest it is also the time when you learn to appreciate it the most. I believe I have forgotten that. Thank you again for sharing this Tristen and wish you the VERY best on your run. Go get em.

That Is Just Awesome !!!!!! See You In Denver Buddy!!!

Wow, what an incredible story. It looks like this thread is about more than Transformation, because I have another Christmas Angel story to share. I have told this story just about every Christmas season with the declaration that Saint Nick is real - I've met him!
Christmas Eve of 1993, I was moving from my college home in Bozeman, Montana to Albuquerque, New Mexico with my young wife. We literally left on Christmas Eve with everything we owned in a beat up Ford Escort and a small u-haul trailer; in sub-zero temperatures and with 3 feet of snow on the ground. The goal was to make it to my Mom's house in Denver for Christmas, which is about a 12 hour drive normally. Because of engine trouble, 12 hours later we were barely half-way there. Tempers were short, and tears of frustration were flowing.
Finally we pulled off in Sheridan, Wyoming to call my mom and say we wouldn't make it. There was ice on the road and with the slight hill (and engine trouble) we couldn't even get out of the parking lot where we had stopped. I was at my wit's end when a black Chevy pulled up. A man with a flowing white beard, red flannel shirt, and jeans with suspenders got out (definitely a Rocky Mountain Santa if there ever was one). Without much of a word he pulled us out and back on the road. I told him thank you and he just replied "That's what Christmas is all about". Before I could turn to even shake his hand he was gone. It literally seemed he disappeared into thin air. As far as I'm concerned, I met Santa Clause that night; your story just reinforces that feeling.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Hold on, my friend. That cynicism is on its way out the door if you stick with us at t.com!

Wow, again thank you Tristen. I am not going anywhere because I find more truth to life here than just about anywhere.

Seriously, what a great place to hook into on a regular basis to keep you on a positive keel.