An Uncommon Courage

   In late 2009 I received an email informing me that the eight year old daughter of a brother officer, Pet Speight, had been diagnosed with cancer. I had come to know Pet as a frequent attendee of Signal 13 Training courses, as well as a fellow member of my department. Just a few months later on February 28, 2010, Lexi Speight passed away. Having a daughter about the same age as Lexi, I could not begin to imagine the devastation such a loss would cause. I wondered how I would even find the strength to continue with even a marginal existance in this world. That is, until I have had the opportunity to witness the incredible acts of courage and inspiration Pet and his family have displayed since Lexi's illness began.
   This past fall my young daughter and I attended the second annual "Laps for Lexi" 5k run. This is one of the many ways the Speight family continues to honor Lexi and keep her spirit alive. And what a spirit she is. It is hard to explain the surge of emotions I continue to feel when I reflect on the event. Lexi's presence was palpable at every turn. It was in the hundreds of purple balloons (her favorite color) that seemed to be everywhere. It was in the many photographs of her posted around the event, each with her displaying an infectious smile that would light up a room. It was in the care bears (her favorite toys) and all of her favorite snacks that were offered to runners in addition to the "traditional" bagels and bananas. Most of all, it was in the meticulous way that Pet, Cyndi and Lexi's sister Sammy celebrated all the wonderful things about Lexi and how they generously share their experiences with their community. What a wonderful gift they give us all by sharing their love of Lexi and continuing to celebrate her life with us.
    We in law enforcement exhibit and witness acts of courage on a regular basis. But I personally have never been as moved by witnessing courage as I was at the race that day. The Speights' showed me that courage is the determination to celebrate a beautiful life rather than give in to the insufferable pain of the loss. Courage is standing in front of a crowd of several hundred people with tears streaming down your face and sharing your memories of your daughter. Courage is finding a way to make good come from such a devastating event. And that is exactly what the Speights continue to do everyday in honor of Lexi.

    I strongly encourage you to visit the blog the Speights created to honor Lexi. They began the blog when she was diagnosed with cancer and continue to update it. Take some time to read about their experience, I promise you it will give you a better perspective on life and inspire you. The blog can be found at http://www.loveforlexi.weebly.com/. You should also visit Laps for Lexi on Facebook and learn more about the annual 5k race in her honor. If you are not busy next fall plan on participating; I promise it will change your life! Proceeds from Laps for Lexi are donated to childhood cancer research. You can also donate to the cause and send the Speights a message at the loveforlexi blog mentioned above.