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| Justin Lambert, 10 years old – 1999 |
Back in 1999, Maureen Lambert, a mother of two, was being treated for breast cancer. One Saturday she was feeling particularly tired due to her chemotherapy.
Ten-year-old Justin wanted to know if she was coming to his Little League game. He’d been wanting to hit a home run in her honor all season, but it hadn’t happened yet.
“I feel a home run coming today,” little Justin said.
“Justin, I’m really tired,” she told him, “but I’m going to do everything I can to get there.”
Despite her illness, Maureen hadn’t missed a game all season. So she pulled herself together as fast as she could and got six-year-old Kaitlyn ready, too.
By the time Maureen and Kaitlyn arrived at the ballpark, the game had already started. Some of the fathers rushed over to Maureen and announced that Justin had just hit a home run.
Maureen went over to congratulate Justin, but with a touch of disappointment, she had to admit, “I missed your home run.”
“That’s okay, Mom,” he said. “I’ll hit you another one.”
And little Justin did just that. He hit a second home run for his mom, but this time it went over the fence. Not only was Maureen overwhelmed with excitement, the crowd exploded with cheers and applause. There were many moist eyes at the Little League field that day.
At the end-of-season party, the team awarded Maureen a plaque of courage because she was a prime example of what courage is all about.
Like I said, that was back in 1999. I found the newspaper clip in mid-September, but before posting it on my blog, I wanted to follow up on how Maureen is doing these days.
I called my sis and learned Maureen has been cancer free all these years and was getting ready to run in a marathon that weekend with little Justin, who is now big Justin, to raise funds for a cure for breast cancer.
At the time, I didn’t realize October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What a coincidence. Not! I believe there’s more than mere coincidence at work here.
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| Justin and Maureen Lambert at Race for the Cure Marathon, September 23, 2012, Newport Beach, California. |
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| Go Team Moe! |
Do you have a hero like Maureen or Justin who has inspired you? This story made me cry happy tears. Did it affect you the same way?
Not that is a great story – and with a happy ending!
What a sweet story – thanks for sharing! And congrats on the upcoming release!!!
Alex – Thank you. I think it's a pretty inspiring story.Jennette – Thank you, Jennette.
What a beautiful son and brave mum!! Yay for Justine and Maureen!! Take carex
That was BEAUTIFUL!!! The picture of the two of them all these years later tells it all, doesn't it? Look at the smiles. This warmed my heart and made it SING lovely songs. And I'll be that way all day. I'll be there Wednesday. Remember. I'm first in the bouncey house. That's my favorite. 🙂
Go, Moe! I love this story, and I'm so happy to hear that Moe and Justin are doing well.
What a sweet story. I'm glad it has a happy ending 14 years and counting.
That is awesome! I love these stories. Unfortunately my own situation didn't end so happily. I lost my mom in 2008 to the ugly cancer monster. I always route for anyone who's fighting or has beaten this ugly, ugly disease.Thanks for posting. GO TEAM MOE!!Patricia Rickrodew/a Jansen Schmidt
Old Kitty – Yes, a very brave mum. And an awesome son. Thank you!Robyn – Yes, the smiles tell it all! I feel the same way. Thank you! Saving you a spot for first in line for the bounce house!Piper – Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I'm so happy Maureen is doing so well. Yay! Team Moe!Theresa – Thank you. I think we all love a happy ending.Patricia – I'm so sorry you lost your mother to the cancer monster. It is a monster, and I hate it. My mother is a survivor. I think 8 years now. I know too many people who didn't beat it, though, so I guess that's why this story makes me cry each time I read it. Take care.
Great story…with a happy ending. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I love that story! How inspirational! I love to hear of people beating cancer and getting many more years with their loved ones. I know a lot of people who have earned a spot as one of my heroes for showing courage and strength in their fight. I can't wait for Wednesday. How fun! I would love to read Curse of the Double Digits- it sounds great. ~Jess
I'm so glad Maureen is doing well. There's nothing much better than a trooper. My older brother was one of those, when he was diagnosed with cancer at 3 years old. Well, either he was a trooper or my mom was, or both. His story is a happy one too, thankfully. I'm excited for your book release. =)
I was bracing myself for the worst when I got to the part where you were going to check on Maureen's status and was thrilled and delighted to see that she's cancer-free and doing so well! Warmed my heart!If I don't flake out, I'll be at your launch party tomorrow! 🙂 Congratulations again!!
Sharon – Thank you. Happy endings are so nice!Jess – I love to hear about cancer survivors, too. It gives us hope. Yes, stop by for the launch Wed. and enter the giveaway! Thanks, Jess.Crystal – I'm happy your brother is a cancer survivor. Three years old? It's hard to imagine getting cancer so young. Yes, your brother and mom are both troopers.Teresa – I'm glad it warmed your heart. This story warms my heart, too. Hope to see you at the launch tomorrow!
What an inspiring and uplifting story- thanks for sharing! And congrats on the upcoming release!Nas
This is a wonderful story. So glad it has a happy ending. It was great to see you over at Robyn's today! 🙂
What a heartwarming story, Lynn! I am so glad to hear Maureen is doing well!