I think I set the phone down last night / this morning just before 2am. The desire to complete the last story ( Trenton Newman ) before sleeping pushed me past the point of reality. But hey, it’s the weekend, so there was no need to set an alarm clock.

Right about the time I turned out the light, I remembered that Vickey Ritchie was having the next round of her Special Olympics BB walking club at 8:30 on the far side of Galax. Doing the math backward, I figured I’d have to get up by 6:30.

My thought was this, if God wants me to Shake, Shake, Shake it off, he would have to take care of it.

When my eyes 👀 tried to focus on the clock ⏰️, it read 6:30 on the dot. You can not make that up, nor should you fight God’s will.

Fast forward to the parking lot of the New River Trail – Cliffview. There’s Vickey being Vickey, the ultimate host of any event that she organizes. Mr and Mrs Jason Burnette were there, and they brought some of their Pups 🐶. Close to twenty people all told, and it is stop ✋️ 1 of 3 on the weekend for our group.

Stop ✋️ #2 – will take some of the group to the VFW tonight, where they will be honored guests at the Movie 🎬 show !

Stop ✋️ – #3 – Basketball 🏀 practice on Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm at Hillsville Elementary School 🏫.

Vickey Ritchie being Vickey Ritchie is always a sight to see 👀, even when it is through bloodshot eyes !

I need a Nap !

Vickey will share her photos 📸 of the group later on in her ” down ” time. That’s an unintentional joke, Vickey Ritchie, with downtime !

Stop ✋️#1 this morning took place out in Elk Creek, Virginia. It was my first time in Elk Creek, and my photos were designed to be background pics 📸 that are designed to wrap around some that Vickey would send after the fact.

Vickey Ritchie is an inspiration to me on a regular basis, not just on Mother’s Day weekend. The amount of time, energy, and effort she pours into her Special Olympics BB group is boarding on being off the charts.

Most parents have unconditional love for their own children, and later in life, your ” family” expands when you children take on a spouse. Every weekend, Vickey Ritchie finds the energy to spread her mothering across every member of our group who chooses to attend an event. The reason why I try to sneak in at least one or two lines about Coach being height challenged is to keep her humble because she has one serious skill set !

Happy Mother’s Day to coach Vickey ! Thank you for being you and doing so for oh so many people 💕 and so very often !!