I have never doubted that these two young women would finish. I knew that they are almost made from the same mold. They are determined, strong and at times stubborn women. I knew that they had worked just too hard for this opportunity not to finish. I did worry about how they would finish and when and I worried about how their bodies would react to the stress of this activity, but never did I think that they would quit. I love Rachel very much. I am so grateful that she and I are now related. She has always inspired me and I am always amazed at her many, many talents. When Melissa told me that she wanted to do this race and then she told me who was going to be her partner, I told her that she had chosen the best.

I am so grateful for you and for your attention and devotion to both of them. I saw a loving father who was so proud of his daughter Saturday. From the minute we walked into the building at the Church site you were beaming. How you tended to Rachel’s every need at the aid stations were amazing to me. Your words of encouragement were strong. You were there to cheer for your daughter and to assist in any way you could . . . but then you switched gears and became Melissa’s cheerleader. Again your words of encouragement to her were wonderful. I cannot express to you how much I appreciate all that you did and said Saturday to help my daughter. One of the aid station volunteers commented that we were a large crew and how wonderful that was for Rachel & Melissa. He said he could instantly tell that we were all related somehow because how we showed so much attention and love for those two girls. I agree. Thank you so very, very much.