Yesterday was Easter. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day filled with church, family, friends, food & egg hunts. Early in the day I started feeling overwhelmed as I thought of the race I'm preparing for. I don't feel ready. My runs aren't as long or as often as they should be. They're squeezed in between family, 2 jobs, 2 soccer teams, race planning... I seriously thought about dropping out of the race but with some supportive words from great people & this enlightening run, I realized I'll cross that finish line if I have to run, walk or crawl. I don't know that I've ever cried during a run before. I cried yesterday. These heroes never gave up. Neither will I.
This run was dedicated to Kentucky State Trooper Jerome Scott "Butch" Clifton. I actually went to school & spent several years performing with his daughter Angie in our youth choir yet had no idea until about a year ago. She was only 3 & her sister was 9 when he was lost.
Trooper Clifton recieved a gunshot wound to the leg while attempting to rescue hostages from a gunman. The gunman was actually holding his own family hostage. Another officer was also injured at the time. Trooper Clifton was taken to UK & underwent surgery to remove his leg in attempt to save his life however, his femoral artery had been severed. Trooper Clifton died three weeks later from the injury.
The suspect was convicted and sentenced to two years originally but it was overturned. He was sentenced to 20 years in a second trial, however, he was released for time served only doing 10 years. In 2004 the man died from natural causes.
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