To Bayou City CrossFit Community:
I don’t even know how to express what I feel right now for everyone that is in this community! You have all shown me such tremendous support and love! There is no way I would have been able to get through the past three months without each and everyone one you.
As you know back in August I tore my Achilles. This was my first major injury. So this was a big deal for me. I had a lot of dreams and plans for this up coming year and in one little jump it felt like they had all disappeared. The emotions that I had to deal with were probably more painful and difficult for me then the actual tear! In that first week the emails, calls and facebook messages really helped me deal with some of what I was going through. After the surgery, many of you stopped by, bringing books, movies ( I did not have cable) and treats…mostly healthy! I can not tell you how loved I felt. It was amazing.
When I was finally able to get out of bed and start up my boot camp classes, it was just what I needed. It really helped being around all of you. I know there were days when I was not at my best and Thank You all for putting up with me! There were tough times in there. The mood swings were hard on everyone to deal with and I am so grateful that you all put up with me.
On November 21, BCCF held a benefit for me. Some of you may not know but I did not have health insurance, so the surgery and following medical bills were all out of pocket for me and my parents. We came up with the idea of having you buy Burpees for the coaches! Which was a really good idea…and a really horrible one too! It was a huge success! Although I ended up with the most burpees..yuck! We ended up raising around $2,500!!! This absolutely blew me away! I have never felt that kind of love from a group of people. It just goes to show what an AMAZING community that we have! For all of you to come together and help someone, it just really shows who you all are as people! I have to say, I don’t think there are a whole lot of people out there like you! You are a very special group.
To all those who donated, THANK YOU! It really went a long way in helping with the bills! And I felt so loved, and blessed and LUCKY to be apart of you!
I do need to say a special thanks to Craig Brenan and Marti Castillo. You two did soooo much for me! They helped in so many ways. From the MRI to my Physical therapy! You really eased some of my burden. THANK YOU!
To all the Coaches at BCCF! I LOVE you all so much! You put up with me day in and day out! I know there were some really bad moments in there. But I think you all handled them wonderfully. Never making me feel like it was too much or I was a burden.
Kristian thank you for taking on my classes! You made this time on everyone so much easier because you stepped up to the plate. I know there were some really long days in there for you between my early classes, Lulu and your night classes.
If yall did not know already, we have an amazing team here at BCCF. Let me tell you there were some dark times for me, and because of that it directly affected them. I would get very depressed and very negative. And it showed! But they just kept right on encouraging me and pushing me. And listening to me cry! And that is tough on everyone. I tried my hardest to be a happy positive person, but it did not always work every day! When I would start to feel sorry for myself they were quick to let me know that it would be over soon and encourage me to look at the positive side.
Vic and Katie, I love you both. I have learned so much from both of you. You are amazing coaches, and great examples of what a person should be like. I have truly been blessed to have you both in my life. Thank you for listening to the pity parties, and dealing with the tears! I don’t know how else to express myself other then to say THANK YOU! I am truly lucky to be able to work and learn from you both.
Charlie, you are the best friend a girl could ask for. You stepped up in a way that was over and beyond what any friend would do. I know it was hard on you! I know there were some really horrible times in there for you, but you stuck by me and helped me SOOOO much! Just so you all know he carted me around that first month when I could not drive. He cooked my meals for me, came and visited every night, he even swept my floors once I think! Most of all he dealt with my mood swings. He came up with workouts for me to do and would not let me sink to low in my own self pity! You are a wonderful person! Thank you for EVERY thing! (The good and the bad!) And I have learned a lot from you. Love you!
Okay this got really long! Sorry. Also a special thanks to my parents, Dennis and Cindy. They have helped me financially so much in the past three months. With both the medical bills and every day bills. I love you both! And you are the best parents! And my sister! Whit, you are wonderful. She came and took care of me on several different weekends, and was always there to listen when I just wanted to whine! I have the best family.
So again a BIG HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AT BAYOU CITY CROSSFIT. You are the reason I got out of bed every day! The best medicine that I got was being with you! I love our family here and am so grateful for each and every one of you!! You are wonderful!
Shelby Frakes
(and yes I cried when I wrote this…)
