Team Chelsey 2011

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

Happy 2011 to each of you! I trust that you all have had an enjoyable holiday season and are settling into this new year of 2011. Once again, in my own "settling" into this new year, I have been reminiscing about this previous year's celebrations, holidays, birthdays, losses, successes, accomplishments, etc....more specifically "Team Chelsey 2010."

So, here in 2011 a new "story" begins and one that will include the new chapter of "Team Chelsey 2011." That being said....it is time to put out the word and call for "Team Chelsey" for the 2011 Little Rock Marathon this year. Once again, I am humbled by so many of your (already) expressed interest. The Little Rock Marathon is approximately now 4 weeks away (March 5-6), and we are looking forward to your participation in what many of you who have previously participated would say is a fun event.

Whether you have already been training for the full or half marathon, a relay team, or are planning to run/walk the 5K (on Saturday again this year), or maybe prefer just being a virtual runner, there is a place for each of you, and we would LOVE for you to join in the fun of Team Chelsey. In sharing the gift of Chelsey’s spirit and the warmth of her memory, Team Chelsey and your friendship adds to "our story" each year--what a blessing we, her family, have in each of you.

There has been some interest expressed to me from a few of you about relay teams. So, in efforts to possibly coordinate such for those who want to run a relay but don't know who to put together on a team, let me know (ASAP) as we might be able to piece together 1 or 2 teams. Remember, the relay portion of the race for each member is anywhere between 5 and 7.8 mile run. Not so bad....right?

T-shirt and "post race" celebration have been some of the fun parts of this event (well, for me anyway...); however, we are looking to change things up a bit this year. Of course, there will still be a t-shirt but with a new color scheme and design. (Hopefully, I will be able to share this by the end of the month or early next month). We all know and remember that Chelsey was often the "life of the party," and she didn't do anything without making a good time of it. So a "celebration" of sorts is a must, but rather than a "post race" celebration, we will plan for a "pre-race pasta party." More details on this to follow as the date nears.

If you are interested in being a part of Team Chelsey, please let me (us) know. We certainly look forward to hearing from you. Again, we send our most sincere and humble thanks to each of you.

3 Years Later: Still Remembering.....

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. Three years ago today, God created a time for Chelsey's physical, earthly life to end and her Heavenly life with Him to begin.

It is in the past 3 years that time has passed and changes have occurred. But…not even the passing of time heals or fills the emptiness, the hole, that is created in our hearts and our souls…..a part of us remains gone, and life as we once knew it is forever changed and never the same……

Although our lives are forever changed, our (my) hearts continue to be filled with the hope and peace that some day in the twinkling of God's eye, I will experience a great togetherness again with Chelsey in Heaven…. there is a season and time for everything and a purpose for that. Until then, Chelsey's never ending spirit remains alive here in this physical world as my forever sister, a mother's forever daughter, and your forever friend. In our hearts her memory continues to be kept forever without end….

Thank You, Team Chelsey 2010!

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;
what we have done for others and the world
remains and is immortal."
--Albert Pike

What each of you have "done" just by being a member or supporter of Team Chelsey is immeasurable. The kindness and unselfish love you have shown by continuing to celebrate the memory of Chelsey's spirit "remains" in our (her family's) hearts and minds forever. Daily, we are blessed by your love, support, encouragement, and prayers. Words will never adequately express such gratitude that we feel. Another year has gone by and through your generosity we continue to share the gift of Chelsey's spirit and the memory of her love. Thank you......

Once again, we are already looking forward to and making plans for Team Chelsey 2011. We are excited about possibly a "new look" and some fun "new plans." So....get your running shoes ready! With that....a final thought that Chelsey would want each of you to remember:

"The true testament of a life well lived
is the love we leave behind....."

Team Chelsey 2010 Photos

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It's 2010 T-Shirt Time!

The plans for Team Chelsey 2010 t-shirt have been finalized! The t-shirt is the same design (maybe next year we need to have a contest for a new design), but this year it is bright orange with another new quote for the back:

"The true testament of a life well lived is the love we leave behind."

We are ordering short sleeve shirts again this year (we were thankful for that last year with the warm weather). Once again there is a choice between a regular cotton shirt or a dri-fit running shirt. Price is the same as last year (see below). We are needing to get shirts ordered ASAP, so that they will be in Little Rock in time for the race! Some of you have already expressed interest in wanting to order a t-shirt whether you are running or not running the race.

So....let me hear from you ASAP (by the close of buisness Friday, 2/26/10) if you are wanting to order a t-shirt. Please send me an email or comment to this post with the following info:


1. Do you want a short sleeve regular cotton t-shirt ($11.00) OR a short sleeve dri-fit running shirt ($15.00)?

2. What size shirt would you like?


If you are not here in LR and are not running the race, but would still like a shirt I will be glad to mail those to you. I will provide more info later for those of you running the race and t-shirt pick up/availability.

Thanks again. We appreciate all of your love and support and are looking forward to another fun race and after party!

Team Chelsey 2010

Happy 2010 to each of you! I trust that you all have had a very blessed and happy holiday season and are settling into another year. For me, a new year always brings reflection of the previous year's celebrations, holidays, birthdays, losses, successes, accomplishments, and times of just "plain fun"......and one of those being "Team Chelsey 2009."

So....as we have entered another year, there begins a new "story" and one that will include the new chapter of "Team Chelsey 2010." That being said....it is time to put out the call for "Team Chelsey" for the Little Rock Marathon this year. Once again, I am humbled by so many of your (already) expressed interest.The Little Rock Marathon is approximately 7 weeks away (March 6-7), and we would like to get a group of you together again this year for Team Chelsey 2010.

Whether you have already been training for the full or half marathon, a relay team, or are planning to run/walk the 5K (this year is on Saturday), or maybe prefer just being a virtual runner, there is a place for each of you, and we would LOVE for you to join in the fun of Team Chelsey. In sharing the gift of Chelsey’s spirit and the warmth of her memory, Team Chelsey and your friendship adds to "our story" each year--what a blessing we, her family, have in each of you.

There has been an increased interest from a few of you about getting some relay teams together. So, in efforts to possibly coordinate such for those who want to run a relay but don't know who to put together on a team, let me know (ASAP)as we might be able to piece together 2 or 3 teams which would be FABULOUS. Remember, the relay portion of the race for each member is anywhere between 5 and 7.8 mile run. Not so bad....right? I would like to run a relay this year as well, as a broken arm has put a bit of a cramp in my style and slowed my training for the half marathon. Again, we are looking for "takers" for some relays.

Of course, there will be a t-shirt again this year, and the most important part, a “post-race” celebration. (As I say every year and will say again....Chelsey never went anywhere or did anything without a party!) If you are interested in being a part of Team Chelsey, please let me (us) know. We certainly look forward to hearing from you. Again, we send our most sincere and humble thanks to each of you.

Remembering.....

Two years later, on a day that was once an “ordinary day” but now forever “different” and “changed”…..our hearts continue to be stirring with a sense of loss….a sense of sadness….but, also a sense of gratitude for the Life of Chelsey, the joy she brought all us and the love she so generously gave. So, still… Chelsey’s memory remains a blessed presence within all of us. She taught us how to love, laugh, cry, serve and fully participate in life…….

The Top Ten Things My Sister Taught Me

10. Make sure you always have a roll of quarters stashed in your car. You never know when life will place you on a toll road.

9. Be loud, have fun, laugh uncontrollably, and dress boldly with big sunglasses.

8. Be generous...to family, friends, and even strangers on the street. It comes back to you 10 fold.

7. Pray...wherever you are…inside your car, outside a church, on a park bench in the wind.......

6. Life is not fair, but it is a gift.

5. Forgive EVERYONE and EVERYTHING. No matter what!

4. Life changes in the blink of an eye. But…..God does not blink.

3. Make every moment count....it does not matter how long you are on this earth, it is what you do with the time you are here.

2. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

1. Nothing ever replaces or changes the love between two sisters…not absence, not loss, not distance, not time....nothing......

Thank You, Team Chelsey 2009!

George Elliston once said, “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.” And so... what a “beautiful” day, March 15th was because of the kindness the members of Team Chelsey brought, unselfishly and with much love, to celebrate Chelsey’s memory and spirit. Again, we her family, thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Reflecting over the past 16 months, our gratitude towards each of you is immeasurable. Thank you for your continued encouragement, love, prayers, and support. Team Chelsey remains an instrument in our healing process, even now, more than a year later. Once again, you have allowed us to share with you this instrument, the gift of Chelsey’s spirit, and the memory of her love. Thank you, just simply thank you......

Through your continued generous contributions, we will now be able to continue to share Chelsey’s love and encourage her "spirit of living” with an Endowment Fund in her name at the University of Arkansas. We are already looking forward to Team Chelsey 2010. So... get your running shoes ready! One final thought that Chelsey would want each of you to remember:

"Life is not measured by
the number of breaths you take,
but by the moments that take your breath away."

Team Chelsey 2009 Photo Album

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2009 Team Chelsey Race Weekend Festivities

Greetings "Team Chelsey!"

Race day is now a little less than 3 days away, and we hope you all are looking forward to coming together for another year in Chelsey's name. We just wanted to update each of you on t-shirt pickup, race day meeting place/time, and post race celebration.

1. T-shirts: T-shirts will not arrive in Little Rock until Saturday afternoon. We wanted each of you to have them before "race day." So, in the tradition of last year…….. We will be at the same Starbucks from 3-4 pm on Saturday for you to pick up your shirt. For those of you who are running, but won't come to town until Sunday morning, let me know, and we will come up with an alternate plan for you to have your shirt Sunday morning. The others of you who are not running or will not be in Little Rock, I am still planning on mailing your shirts, probably sometime next week.

2. Race Day Meeting Time/Place: The start and finish of all the races are located in the River Market Area. The 5K begins at 7:15 am (new start time this year) and the half marathon at 8 am. The actual start line is in front of the Clinton Bookstore. Let's meet for a pre-race "Team" photo.

3. Post Race Party: No gathering is ever sufficient without some type of party or celebration. In fact, Chelsey would not want it any other way!!!! Therefore, you are all welcome to join us at the house following the race for a light breakfast/brunch. We want to see and visit with each of you. It is the very least we can do to say thank you for all your love and support.

Looking forward to seeing and hearing from all of you this weekend!!!!

Call For Team Chelsey 2009

As I finished putting away the last of my Christmas decorations just a week ago, Feb 1st (yes, really it has taken that long), I was reflecting on the past year and reminded that another entire year has gone....another year of holidays, birthdays, celebrations, losses, successes, and almost 15 months since Chelsey’s passing.

We (Chelsey’s family) continue to find ourselves blessed by your kind thoughts, words and prayers. Those things along with your love and support continue to give us strength as we face each day and move forward.

So...as we have entered another year with a new journey, it is time to put out a call for “Team Chelsey 2009.” Many of you have already asked if there would be a Team Chelsey for the Little Rock Marathon again this year. I am humbled by so many of your (already) expressed interest, and I must apologize for my delay in posting information to the blog spot. The Little Rock Marathon is approximately 5 weeks away, but we still would like to get a group of you together again this year for Team Chelsey. Whether you have already been training for the full or half marathon, a relay team, or are planning to run/walk the 5K, or maybe prefer just being a virtual runner, there is a place for each of you, and we would LOVE for you to join in the fun of Team Chelsey. We hope to continue to share the gift of Chelsey’s spirit and the warmth of her memory. Team Chelsey was an instrument to do just that last year, and now, we plan to carry on the tradition again this year.

Last year, so many of you generously contributed monies for a scholarship fund; therefore, we wanted to update you on the progress of the establishment of this scholarship fund. With much thought and time, we have been working with the University of Arkansas to establish an endowment in Chelsey’s name. With the establishment of this endowment (which is still in progress, not yet complete….but soon, hopefully!), a scholarship will be made available to a U of A student on an annual basis. This endowment will allow for the scholarship to be available for “life.” It will also allow for continued contribution. We believe an endowment with the U of A will be the best way to continue to share Chelsey’s love and encourage her “spirit of living.”

One last word…..there will be a t-shirt again this year, and of course, a “post-race” celebration. (Chelsey never went anywhere or did anything without a party!) If you are interested in being a part of Team Chelsey, please let me (us) know. We certainly look forward to hearing from you. Again, we send our most sincere and humble thanks to each of you.

One Year: A Remembrance of Chelsey

It was just an ordinary November fall day ….She was on her way home from work—happy, successful, healthy, full of life---and then she was gone.

Life changed. It changed fast. Life for us all changed in the instant. An “ordinary day”… and then, life as we knew it ended. And there, in the midst of life, we were in death.

Now, exactly one year later on this very date, November 9th, these remain my thoughts. It was just an “ordinary day”……however, now this day is “different” as my (our) life has been made very different by the tragedy we encountered.

Regardless of the absence of Chelsey’s physical presence, her spirit and memory is with us daily. We all yearn to hear her voice, her laughter, and see the sparkle in her eye. Every day we carry the sadness of this tremendous loss of her life on this physical earth; however, we are taking comfort in what Chelsey gave us as being immeasurable. Her life was a gift. Therefore, I am incredibly grateful for every minute we had together and the honorable privilege of calling her my sister. During the past 12 months, I have been reminded not to rush through this life, rather make time to stop and breathe it all in, to spend time with those I love, and to thank God for the blessings around me (us) and the precious gift of each day.

So, although an entire year has now passed, we, her family, will continue to celebrate Chelsey in the days and years yet to come. God gave us the gift of Chelsey’s memories. I (we) know, that for now, those memories will be preserved in the great museum of our hearts and our minds. So, let Chelsey’s memory be a blessed presence within each of you. I (we) will remember that Chelsey wanted all of us to love, to laugh, to serve, to cry, and to fully participate in life. She trusted each of us, and the presence of her memory continues to trust us still.

The words she sang at her Senior Voice Recital rang true then, and now continue to ring true…..

“Think of me, think of me fondly, when we’ve said goodbye. Remember me once in a while---please promise me you’ll try. When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart back and be free---if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me….

…if you can still remember, stop and think of me….
Think of all the things we’ve shared and send—don’t think about the things which might have been….

Recall those days, look back on all those times, think of the things we’ll never do---there will never be a day, when I won’t think of you….”

ATribute To My Sister: "Remember Me"

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Thank You, Team Chelsey!

"We cannot do great things on this Earth,
only small things with great love."
--Mother Theresa

What an incredible day with "great love"....Enveloped by the warmth of the morning sunshine, Team Chelsey set out to share her bright spirit and the warmth of her memory. They accomplished just that....with much joy and happiness. So, what more do we, her family, say other than thank you, just simply thank you....

During the last 4 months we have been humbled and ever so grateful for the encouragement each of you has been to us. Your outpouring of love and kindness has been an instrumental part in this long and arduous healing process that continues each day. Team Chelsey has been one of those instrumental parts. Thank you for allowing us to share this with you. And, now in Chelsey's absence, we are likely more keenly aware of her presence. Although her earthly time with us was short, it was a gift. She shared this "gift" by loving each of you and living every minute with love, grace, humility, and gratitude. That is the gift we would like to continue to share. The spirit of living that we would like to carry on....her "spirit of living."

Through your generous contributions to the scholarship fund, we will be able to continue to share her love and encourage her "spirit of living." Thank you. So....there are already plans for making "Team Chelsey" an annual event. Get your running shoes ready for "Team Chelsey 2009!" One final thought that Chelsey would want each of you to remember:

Life is short,
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Love truly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that made you
Smile!

Team Chelsey 2008 Photo Album

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"Hey Team!" It's time for t-shirts, registration, and more....

Hey Team! Race day is fast approaching. Now less than 2 weeks. That is exciting. But even more exciting is that to date, we have 27 participants officially registered. That means we have met our goal of 24 participants....one each to represent the 24 years of Chelsey's life! We are so excited about gathering together in Chelsey's name. Thank you, just simply thank you.......

There is still time to register if you are wanting to participate, but more importantly we have an "official" race shirt and are needing to get t-shirts ordered so that they will be in Little Rock in time for "Race Day!" The options are as follow:

1. Long sleeve, cotton, bright green t-shirt with logo and writing on front and back.
2. Long sleeve, dri-fit running shirt (for all you "serious" runners), bright green with logo and writing on front and back.

If you are interested in a t-shirt, please either post a comment on at the end of this blog or email natconrad@hotmail.com stating:
1. Do you want a long sleeve t-shirt ($15) OR a dri-fit running shirt ($20)?
2. What size shirt would you like?

Happy running and training. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on race day. Keep checking the blog spot for additional information.

Call for Registration

Just a reminder and call to action for Team Chelsey. We are still planning on running the 5K (or whatever event you choose...half marathon, marathon, relay, or even just a "virtual runner") with the Little Rock marathon--Sunday, March 2nd. It is our goal to get 24 people to run with us as "Team Chelsey," one to represent each year of Chelsey's life. Any number greater than 24 is just an added bonus!!

You will need to go to www.littlerockmarathon.com to complete the registration. Registration is $30 up until race day when it increases to $35; however, race numbers this year are already up by 85%, thus....registration may be ending early. So the sooner you get registered the better.

Once you are registered, please add a comment to this post in which you leave your name, the event you registered for, and contact info (i.e. email). We are attempting to compile our participant list, and we also would like to potentially get t-shirts and/or buttons to identify our group as "Team Chelsey."

We hope you have all been training relentlessly, and we look forward to seeing your registration come through on the comments.

Celebrating Chelsey

Our family has been overwhelmed and humbled by so many of your kind words and thoughts...that is what is giving us strength and hope as we, with heavy hearts, are attempting to move forward. Words will never adequately express how gratefully blessed we are for the outpouring of so many loving friends and family. Thank you. We have something else that we would like to share with you all.....

It is the eulogy that Chelsey's brother-in-law (my husband) gave following the funeral mass. It, too, captures in words the amazing person Chelsey was. We hope in sharing this with others, Chelsey's spirit will continue to live on in each of our lives. She was truly a gift......

It follows here, as spoken by her brother-in-law,
"Jesus said “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” Chelsey had just that, an abundant and joyous life. She shared that joy with others, touching their lives and hearts in ways most of us may never know. Today, that is exemplified by the multitudes of you here representing so many different facets of her life. So, I stand before you, humbled by her spirit and most gracious to be called her brother in law. Though I, too, am shockingly saddened by her tragic death which we all come to mourn and grieve, I am really here today to celebrate her life and pay tribute to her everlasting spirit.

Chelsey’s short life and my too short time of being her earthly brother have carved in my heart a lasting impression about unconditional love. Only such love can be taught by a mother, and that is what Cathy did… teach unconditional love and importance of family to her girls. And, although, initially Chelsey made me “earn” my way into their (Chelsey, Molly, and Cathy’s) tight “trifecta of girls,” I am now so blessed to be a part of this family. This unconditional love, that she so humbly possessed, flowed freely from her kind heart. I heard one of Chelsey’s friends say just last night that when anyone was sad they came to Chelsey… “she took care of everyone and made everything better.” Regardless of circumstances, her love always overlooked evil and dishonesty (even in times when she felt pain and was incredibly hurt). No matter what, compassion poured out from her kind, loving heart making her, in my mind, one of the most honest and forgiving people I will ever have the privilege to know.

Chelsey never met a stranger. She listened intently to you making you feel like the most important person in the room, and that you were to her. Her vibrant spirit, radiant smile, and even that intoxicating loud laugh filled any room with warmth and light.

Our life here on earth is full of quitting and leaving, moving and putting away, letting go and saying good byes. So many people go through life fearful of taking these chances of quitting, leaving, moving, letting go, but Chelsey didn’t. She faced those challenges, moving away from the security and comfort of a familiar place, and beginning a career and life in a place where she knew no one. I want her to know how proud I am of her for taking those chances and facing those challenges.

Humbly putting others before herself, Chelsey is the definition of a true friend. Therefore, that makes me doubly blessed to have Chelsey not only as my sister-in-law, but also my true friend. She became a “confidant,” and we often affectionately referred to each other as “partners in crime.” In some way, she was each of yours “true friend” and now, also your forever friend.

But, in my opinion, the most humble and desirable quality she possessed, and the one we should all long for was her unrelenting faith and relationship with God. This steadfast faith is a testimony to me and should be to all of you. With that, I am so honored and privileged that God would share with me (and all of you too) such a mighty and large gift. That is exactly what she was….a gift.

Although I feel sad for my children one day who will never know her as an aunt, and the man that will never have her as a wife, and the children that will never know her as a mother to teach them unconditional love, I will continue to celebrate even the gift of 24 short years of her life. So, remember, that God gives us many gifts, and I believe that sometimes these gifts are placing people in our lives that we are to emulate. Therefore, my prayer for each of you is that, in some way, you go forth from here, seeking to emulate what Chelsey and her humble spirit has taught you."

Sharing her spirit....

I am so proud of my sister...so proud, that I would shout it from the roof tops to let the whole world know. I'm proud of her spirit, her kindness, her humbleness, her sincerity, her gratefulness, her faithfulness, and the great and lasting impact she has made on so many lives in 24 short years; therefore, sharing this tribute with those of you who were unable to see it at the services is greatly important to me and my entire family. Chelsey has been a pivotal part of so many lives. This video truly captures her vibrant spirit and shows what an amazingly beautiful young woman she had grown to be. The music accompanying the tribute is Chelsey singing. So make sure your volume is turned on. These are two of the songs she chose for her senior voice recital. Listen closely to the words, and know how appropriate they now are...... and do as she asks, "Remember Me......"

http://www.powellfh.yourtribute.com/ChelseyKoffler

It's really official now...

This week brought the return of Chelsey's sister to work. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be or has been. I would wonder if normalcy is possible. She's a strong person with a lot of support, so we all know she'll keep 'muddling through'.
With M's return came the announcement and request for permission to continue Team Chelsey. Luckily all those afternoons on the elliptical and Total Gym were not for naught. We officially got the go ahead....so it seems as though I'm really going to have to run 3.1 miles in a few months here. Scary thought. But still totally committed to the cause.
M's going to have a talk with their mom and decide where the money will go. So anyone who keeps checking back with itchy fingers just waiting to pass some cash, hold tight...we'll soon have an answer.
Thanks again for stopping by. Oh, and rumor has it that M herself would like to post here. How cool is that? Looking forward to all that comes to be here with Team Chelsey!