The Backstory

I've been kicking this idea around in my head for a few years, and I'm not getting any younger so... Here we go!

The inspiration:

Earl J. Kurth, my maternal great uncle, was a Jesuit priest who spent the majority of his priestly years working at the Holy Rosary Mission on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in southwestern South Dakota.  He served in many capacities while there: he taught at the Red Cloud Indian School, he served as Superior to the mission, and most (in)famously Director of Development.  His mission in life was to love that school, its children, its facilities and do everything and anything within his abilities to not only keep the school alive but to help it progress and grow. 

About 10 years ago, near the age of 85, and following a few serious medical accidents (broken arm, broken hip) the Jesuits moved Earl to their retirement community here in Milwaukee.  His body was no longer able to adequately match the intensity of his spirit and motivation.  Earl, who never backed from a challenge, was a miscalculated accident waiting to happen.  At 85, it wouldn't have surprised me if he would have tried to go outside, shovel in hand following a blizzard and begin working... that's just the kind of guy he was.

I visited Earl often at the retirement community.  It was impossible to visit without hearing news about the school, viewing photos of the most recent capital improvements, being handed the most recent newsletter that is sent to donors, hearing that graduation rates were nearing 100%, hearing about students that had received Bill and Melinda Gates scholarships to further their education at college, and on and on and on.

He spent the last years of his life, with his huge spirit and keen mind confined within a body that just couldn't keep up.  He used to "run" down the hallways of the retirement community with his walker leading the way.  This excercise, which was strongly discouraged by medical professionals, looked more like a hunchbacked humanoid turtle shuffling its feet rapidly, while in reality moving about as quick as molasses.  It was one of the most endearing things I've ever witnessed. 

In August of 2009, from what would ultimately be his deathbed, Earl confided that he was ready for his soul to be released elsewhere if he was no longer able to be of service, to do as he would say "God's work" of advocating for Red Cloud Indian School.

I hope to channel his spirit, to provide a body not restrained by old age, to run the distance of 26.2 miles in an effort to raise pledged donations to the Red Cloud Indian School, in the memory of Earl J. Kurth.

It's the least I can do to serve the memory and mission of a man who had the softest eyes, most tender heart, keenest mind and "can-do" attitude of anyone I've ever known.

until next time.

http://www.redcloudschool.org/