Dear  birthday boy Bane,

did you know that  your birthday was really special this year?

that you had a party …

and all your little buddies came …

 

and lots of other people, too …

and they  wore silly hats … 

(even your Grandmother and Grandfather — ha ha!)

and  ran a race  with all of their might.

did you know that even the trees dressed up in bright colors?

and your friends wore even  brighter smiles … 

and you had cupcakes …

the really messy kind — that you like…

and that people laughed together …

and turned weeping into dancing … 

and hugged their babies a little tighter …

and wore a powerful message across their backs —
all  because of you?

did you look down, did you see, that Banebow we made for you?

did you see your Mama, walking steps of courage,of conviction?

did you see your Daddy, his big smile that was yours, too?

did you see big sister, her spirit brighter than any balloon?

did you see how she  sang a Jesus song  to honor you?
(ha!  she always was a spotlight stealer!)

And do you know … though it wasn’t the party that we had hoped for …

that being there that day …

telling  your story …

hugging those who loved you well …

those who miss you, too …

it brought healing — just a bit …

and  HOPE, always hope.



HOPE that RISES on the wind …

floats heavenward …

HOPE that  is not of this world …



in the same way that you are not in this world …

so that in the end …


our HOPE brings us to where you are.

and that gift — His gift to us …



is the  best birthday gift of all.

Thanks to all who participated — with your feet and with your prayers — in the very first Banebow 5k.  It was a day that brought joy into the hearts of the Beasley family … and as the  Banebow ministry  moves forward, will be used to touch the hearts of many families to come.  Words truly cannot express what your support means to us.



And please check out and support this list of sponsors — people and businesses who supported this ministry and made the 5k possible.



Click here for the list of winners by age division, Click here for the official times of all participants, and visit us on Facebook to see even more photos from the Banebow 5k.