The miracle of Beyond the Bus Stop is crossing the starting line at age 47 for a half marathon! Wow! You see it IS a miracle since I was always "last picked" in gym class, believing somehow that athletic accomplishments were beyond me. Listening to others rather than the voice that screamed inside, I can do this. When I decided to start marathon running I could barely put one foot in front of the other. I persevered and eventually 1 mile became two became 5 became 13.1! Tears poured down my face just seeing the finish line in the distance, I was going to make it, and finish the half marathon...I am an athlete the new voice screams! Terry Nolan, Author of Michael's Mom and mother from Maryland.
 
 

Last week, was an amazing experience as I flew from to Seattle to Philadelphia to celebrate the retirement of my high school theater director. I almost did not go! But, as I was cleaning out a closet, old photos fell from a photo album that I had not looked at in 20 years. These photos were from the days of my performing in high school theater. I figured I must make that trip because the 'mother ship' was calling me to return home! We spent the week rehearing for an alumni show. I would have the chance to perform again on that very stage where my dreams began. It was a long and exhausting week but I would not have traded this experience for anything in the world. What this event has given me is my sense of 'self' back. I feel like I found it after it had gone missing for so many years. The feelings of being with old friends and making new ones is an incredible gift. To be on that stage again as helped me go beyond the bus stop! Debbie Stray, mother from Seattle