LIVESTONG at the Y

We just graduated our first Livestong class at the Y in May.  I got my certification last fall and the pilot program started over the winter months in Cedar Rapids.  The instructor I teach with is

 a close friend and we have enjoyed working together. The program is a free 12-week fitness program for any survivor and their caretakers. 

The participants have been wonderful and such an example of how to live life.  While the situations are heart breaking,  the majority have forgiven those who have wronged them, fixed the things in their life that needed to be fixed and have learned to smile through incredibly tragic times.  For many of them it seems when they realize that time is short life becomes whole.

And I didn't realize at the time the best accomplishments would be the little things.  Watching people walk up stairs for the first time in months, hearing their stories of being able to get off the ground without help and watching the improvement in daily living.  We are teaching another session this summer and another great group of people.