Surprise Care Package

I got home on Thursday and had a slip in my mailbox that the post office was unable to deliver a package.  I had recently ordered a book and I assumed that is what it was.  I was able to make it to the post office on Saturday morning to pick up my package, and you can imagine my delight when it was not the book I ordered at all.  It was a package from my Uncle Steve and Aunt Joanna. 

I had told them a couple of weeks ago about my blog and my desire to become a runner.  They were very supportive at the time and asked me some questions and were very encouraging.  Knowing how emotional I am, you can imagine the tears when I opened the package and this was inside:

 
All kinds of goodies for a runner (me)!  I am beyond blown away by this thoughtful gift.  THANK YOU so much, Uncle Steve and Aunt Joanna.  (Don't worry, I will be mailing them an actual handwritten thank you card, too!)  I cannot even express in words how awesome it is to have people believe in me and encourage me. 

One of my goodies was this book:

I have been reading it since Saturday.  It is an easy read with great information and practical tips.  I love it!  This is the book where I got my new training program I mentioned yesterday.  Kara Goucher does a great job of educating and motivating and making me, yes, currently overweight me, feel like  a runner.  I highly recommend this book! 

The very best part of this gift was the card.  I hope they do not mind me sharing this part of it.  It says:

"Just remember - there is absolutely nothing that can stand in the way of Allison Whisman and her goals!!" 

Wow...brought tears to my eyes even as I typed it.  Seriously, who wouldn't feel motivated after a surprise like that?  Your goal for today: look for someone to encourage.  You never know the effect you can have in someone's life. 

Have an awesome day!