{Nutty Putty Cyclers}

Between the ages of about 5 and 10 years old I had a friend that I considered one of my all time best friends. Emily and I were inseparable. I have countless memories of our families getting together for dinner or a movie night, swimming at the Reynolds next door, riding bikes, playing dress-up, playing sardines with her brothers or playing house in her attic. I considered her family. Until one day her Dad got transferred for work. I was devastated. Over the years we lost contact but I never forgot about her. 

Last year I heard about John Jones who died in the nutty putty cave over Thanksgiving. You can read his story here. 

I had never met him before but I felt so connected to his story because his sister Cherie is an old neighbor and friend of mine. I read blogs and looked at pictures of his cute family. I never made the connection until this past Sunday. 

My Mom called me and told me that John's wife was my dear friend Emily from my childhood. My heart just sank! I felt terrible that I didnt realize this earlier. I had seen her picture a million times on blogs and on the news but never put 2 and 2 together. I felt so sorry that I couldnt be there for her through all of this.

Here she is with her two adorable children. She was 2 months pregnant when her Husband passed away. She named her baby John Edward Jones II after her Husband.

I just reconnected with her after about 17 years and found what her amazing little brother is doing to help. Him and 3 friends are cycling from coast to coast to try and raise money for the Liz Logelin Foundation. Its a charity that supplies grants and support to widows and widowers who have recently lost a spouse.  

You can read about them HERE and follow their progress through twitter or facebook.

I plan on donating and want to spread the word about these amazing men. I admire every single one of them.