Keeping My Promise2018 MCM

On 22 May 2017 we heard the words every military family never wants to hear. "we regret to inform you..." and in that moment our lives were changed forever. Our son, SSgt. Jeremy M. Reynolds passed away. The days and weeks that followed were a blur as we had to find a way to try to make sense of what had happened. And at some point I also knew that somehow, some way we as a family would find a way to honor him.  Jeremy originally joined the Marines during his senior year in high school , but was discharged due to a knee injury. A few years later he re-enlisted -this time with the Army.  He completed basic training  and was deployed to Iraq. When he came home I told Jeremy to honor his commitment for going back into the military I would run the Marine Corp  Marathon. But life has a way of getting in the way of plans, and it fell into the background .  This past October, someone who Jeremy admired and looked up to posted on his Facebook page that he completed the MCM. I thought "wow that's fantastic!" and it was as if Jeremy was right next to me because I heard "Mom you promised!!"  For the next two weeks the thought wouldn't get out of my head. So I registered and was lucky enough to secure a spot for this year's marathon on Sunday 28 October in Washington DC. where I will complete 26.2 miles. Jeremy loved being a soldier and had one of the kindest hearts of any person that I know.  He would go out of is way to help anybody if it was in his power.  So in that spirit I wanted to find a organization that would that would benefit those that have served in the military. I started reaching out to various groups and finally found one that I feel is one of the best ways to honor Jeremy and help military veterans. It is  Serenity Stables from Combat to Calm .  They have a program that helps veterans with PTSD with the use of equine therapy that supports psychological health and improved quality of life to veterans, service members and their families. My husband and I were able to go to a session recently and it was truly an amazing experience. What we saw was truly life changing. To see the veterans when they arrived and the difference in them when they left was unbelievable, and we left that afternoon with so much more than we gave.  Equine therapy is invaluable in helping those with PTSD, and speaking from personal experience, my own horse has been the best therapist for me, especially these past months since we lost Jeremy.  The money raised will  help Serenity Stables to support their veteran therapeutic programs and operations .  We lose 22 veterans a day  to suicide. It is my sincerest hope that we help to prevent number 23, and in doing so, Jeremy will be  remembered and honored. Thank you so much and please donate whatever you can.