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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [Gunsolus] [ In reply to ]
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Heartfelt condolences from all of us over the pond at www.tritalk.co.uk, many of whom have checked this thread every morning in hope.

Excellent work down here Dorothy: may you have smooth tarmac and a gentle warm breeze at your back up there in the new place.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [MStride] [ In reply to ]
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Over the years I have had the chance on multiple occaisions to talk to Graham Fraser about his events and the thing that pains him the most is when an athlete passes away at/due to participation at one of his events. Graham is himself an athlete and has gone in the 9:30 range for an Ironman. He's one of us and when when one of his customers suffers the faith of Dorothy or Perry, he feels the loss like all of us...actually he feels it worse. Due to some of my own stupidity I had a near death experience in the medical tent at Ironman LP 2003. My wife and son are sure glad that I made it through, and I have no doubt that Graham is glad that I'm still around. I knew him back in 1987 when I started doing his races in Ontario.

I just thought I would post this because sometimes we athletes get the impression that Ironman North America is a big faceless corporation, when in reality it is still a relatively small company often times coping with the popularity of its products and services
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [Gunsolus] [ In reply to ]
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I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Dorothy this summer. She was one of those people who you immediately knew you wanted in your circle. I feel so lucky to have known her and trained with her. We are all heartbroken. I miss you, Dorothy.

One thing that helps me is to know the last words from her family before she started the swim had to been "we love you". Hugs had to have been shared and the feeling of love from her family was strong and in her heart.

COBB MOBB 2014, 2015
Team Cambridge 2014, 2015
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [gturner] [ In reply to ]
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Prayers and thoughts. She really was a tremendous woman. My best to her children.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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She sounds like such a wonderful person. How nice of all of her friends to talk about her here and to share her special-ness with all of us. I love hearing how she was singing during the swim. I think that shows a small insight into her personality.

It's just so sad, especially when you think about her children. Please post a link if any funds are set up for the children. We can't help much, but we can at least donate some money to help the kids with their college funds or something else that they might need. The family needs to know they're not alone.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [DawnT] [ In reply to ]
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Here is a link to a news video broadcast about Dorothy:

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/...n=1&locale=EN-US

I have also posted a link to the charity organization she was raising funds for on my blog at www.TriBoomer.com

--------------------
Brian
Dallas, TX
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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I did IM Florida this year and last year. It is heartbreaking to me that we lost an athlete at the race each year. In times like this, words fail me.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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As a young mother of a 1 year old daughter, my heart just breaks for this family. Dorothy seemed to be such an inspiring, wonderful woman. May god watch over her children and husband through this unbelievably difficult time. My prayers are with them.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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I never met Dorothy, but she sounds like the type of person I would love to be around. I have no doubt that our triathlon community is a better place because Dorothy was a part of it. As an mother and fellow athlete, I am deeply saddened and reminded of how precious life is. We have been praying for her family and will continue to do so.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [trirunt] [ In reply to ]
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The Dallas Morning News has this story on their front page this morning.

http://www.dallasnews.com/...dorothy.372b465.html
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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The word going around is Dorothy was stung by Jellyfish/had an allergic reaction. Is there any truth to this? I did the race and did see a few jellyfish but they were far and few between.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [kamsdell] [ In reply to ]
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This is such horrible news. i have not been able to stop thinking of her and those children. what a loss for so many people who knew and loved her.

i saw one jelly fish the whole swim. it was at the last bouy before the end of the swim. it was there on both loops and seemed to stay in the exact same place both times i swam by it. i only heard of one or two others mention seeing jelly fish. i would think if that was the case, there might have been some physical reaction as well that would have been noted by the rescue team or doctors. don't jelly fish stings make whelps and stuff? I am perplexed as to what could have happened out there.
My thoughts are with her family.
jana



http://www.triontherunfitness.com
http://www.triontherun.com
http://www.ontheruntx.com
Last edited by: jana: Nov 9, 07 8:53
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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I am so sorry! My prayers are with her family.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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I'm often confused that the things we ask for, hope for, pray for- especially for the good of others, are sometimes denied- and that is extremely painful.

I wish this woman hadn't died. We talked about "miracles" and were hinting at some miraculous recovery for her that would have thrilled and delighted us all. Then one day we could meet this woman at a race, shake her hand and say, "Hey girl, I read about you. Way to pull through. Glad to meet you. Have a great race."

Unfortunately that won't be. So we're left with each other and with questions about why this didn't end better.

My wife tells me "Things happen for a reason." When she says that I often ask, "Well, then, what is the reason for this?"

She tells me we may not ever understand the reason, but to trust in a greater good, a greater purpose to it all. That's tough.

I wish Drothy Griffin's family peace and healing.

Another miracle I'm hoping for is to someday understand why things like this happen.

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [devashish paul] [ In reply to ]
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Dorothy was my 'baseball buddy' with our sons' baseball team. She was one of the only moms who was down to earth and not so competitive about her son being the best on the team, so we'd sit together and laugh and talk and talk. She was soooooo down-to-earth and friendly. She told me stories of her first husband at almost every game....how she went into darkness after he died, but then 6 months later, came to LIFE again and started living....her wedding to her second hubby was just beautiful and all she asked for as gifts were donations to the grief center. We had some great laughs and talks at those baseball games. She will be missed...I hope she's dancing with her first husband right now, but more than anything, I pray for her 3 kids, Mike, her mom and her siblings and siblings-in-law. THey took their dad's death so so hard...I can 't even imagine this.

If there's anything we can do, please let me know. We live in the neighborhood next to Dorothy's first husband's brother and family.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [MStride] [ In reply to ]
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Hi,

I'm one of Dorothy's younger sisters (she was the eldest of 5). Thank you for your thoughts, I know that the rest of my family feels all the love you are sharing.

The last thing I wrote to Dorothy in response to her email about her competing in this Ironman was "I am proud of you."

I know that Dorothy would appreciate that any donation or offering be given to what she was participating in the Ironman competition for: The Journey of Hope Grief Support Center. http://www.johgriefsupport.org/ironman.htm

Thank you for your prayers and love.

peace & harmony,
elaine
'freedom must be exercised to stay in shape!'
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [elainex] [ In reply to ]
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I am so sorry to hear this. There are no words to describe the loss the family must be feeling. May they find peace and healing. God Bless.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [kamsdell] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
The word going around is Dorothy was stung by Jellyfish/had an allergic reaction. Is there any truth to this? I did the race and did see a few jellyfish but they were far and few between.
I don't know where this is being circulated, but I have heard nothing at all to support this at this time.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [elainex] [ In reply to ]
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Elaine,
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I have walked around this week in total shock, as I can't even begin to imagine how you & your family are feeling. I knew Dorothy from the triathlon circuit. I didn't see her often enough this past year, but everytime that we emailed or ran into each other at an event, I was always so happy to see her. My husband had had a near death experience a couple of years ago and we shared stories. Whenever I saw her, the first thing she always asked about was his health. I loved what a wonderful, caring person she was. We emailed right before she left for Florida and she told me she had missed seeing me and we were going to see each other at her Christmas party on 12/1. I was excited to see her too and hear all about the race. I always let her know that she was my inspiration...she was so strong!! My heart is broken for your family.

I just wanted you to know that I have everyone in my church community, my family and friends praying for strength for your family right now. I wish there was something that I could say to help, but all I can do is let you all know that you are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts and will continue to be.

May God Bless you all,
Jill Brodrick
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [jillanne] [ In reply to ]
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A lot of the posters in this thread are making their first ever posts/visits to ST.
Welcome.

And our thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy and all of you, her close friends.

Brad

3SIXTY5cycling.com
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [elainex] [ In reply to ]
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my condolences to you and your family. your sister serves as an inspiration to all of us who have faced hardship - she was clearly a devoted mother and a woman full of grace...i am sure her children have benefited from her in ways that will guide them through life, i only hope that you all are able to find comfort in the memories she has left you with. god bless her and the entire family. this community will not forget her tale.
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [elainex] [ In reply to ]
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Elaine,

Thanks for coming by. It means so much to all of us that the family, in their time of grief, is taking the time out to do a little bit to help us all. Dorothy is a fine example to all of us in so many ways. We will miss her.

Peace be with you...
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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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I just noticed the post about Dorothy passing. Very sorry to hear that. My condolences to the family.


Train safe & smart
Bob

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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [Longboarder] [ In reply to ]
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Passing along this info. Apologies for including details of her memorial service to everyone; however, they may be relevant to some in the group. You'll see that BT got mentioned, but I'm also aware that they have been reading comments here, too, and are very grateful for the sentiments and support.

I spent most of last evening and today with Mike Griffin and Dorothy's family. Individually, they are grieving their loss differently as many of you will. Mike is being strong and has been a comfort to many as they have visited his home. There are many challenges still facing this family so your thoughts and prayers are still desired, still needed.

I have written and it certainly has been covered extensively in the press that Dorothy's Journey of Hope Grief Support Center (http://www.johgriefsupport.org/ ) was a focus of her charitable efforts. What is not widely known is that Dorothy wished that her organs be donated upon her passing. This other form of CHARITY has helped six other people live better, more productive and even longer lives. Considering the concept of "six degrees of separation" it is very likely that someone, somewhere familiar to one of you has benefited from this GIFT. Would Dorothy's example be something that each one of us might want to consider emulating? As of this date there are "only" 98,161 people in the USA qualified and waiting to receive organs (see http://www.organdonor.gov/ for more information).

While the subject of numerous conversations across the country - the "why" or "what was the cause" questions regarding Dorothy's death will probably never be answered. An autopsy might have determined what caused her to stop swimming and lose consciousness but an autopsy would also have prevented Dorothy's wishes regarding her organ donation to be carried out. In the final analysis, with an autopsy those of us left behind might have had less uncertainty in our lives but the lives of six of our fellow human beings would not have been so blessed.

Those of you who have volunteered to help with food (or otherwise) please contact Shanon Farrel, a wonderful neighbor who will coordinate these offerings. Anyone interested in bringing a meal or helping out, please send an email to Shanon at "shanon@calihom.com". It might also be helpful if you could share in the email what you would like to bring. This will help Shanon coordinate meals so that they are not getting the same dish on consecutive days or too much of anyone item.

Arrangements are now being made for us to celebrate Dorothy's life. The service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17th at First United Methodist Church of Plano. The address is 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway. The invitation to attend is extended to everyone, whether you were close friends of Dorothy and her family or even if she only has touched your life in some way. Immediately following the service you are invited to Restland Cemetery located at 9220 Restland Rd. in Dallas where Dorothy's body will be laid to rest.

Mike and the Family have requested that PINK (NOT BLACK) be the dominant color at the SERVICES - it is expected that many of you, particularly the men, will have to be somewhat creative in fulfilling this request. If you are unable to attend services personally please consider donating in Dorothy's honor to the JOH at the web link shown below.

Mike and the Family have also requested that in lieu of flowers that the money that would have been spent on these symbols of mourning be better expressed in the form of donations to the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center (http://www.johgriefsupport.org/). Let's help Dorothy.
All might want to sign a guest book located at http://johgriefsupport.org/Barnett-Griffin/index.php - members of the family are reading all of these comments (as will as the ones on BeginnerTriathlete.com) and are overwhelmed at the response from across the country and from across the seas.

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Re: Prayers for IMFL athlete [dbarron] [ In reply to ]
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IM FREE

DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME, FOR NOW I'M FREE
I'M FOLLOWING THE PATH GOD LAID FOR ME.
I TOOK HIS HAND WHEN I HEARD HIM CALL
I TURNED MY BACK AND LEFT IT ALL
I COULD NOT STAY ANOTHER DAY
TO LAUGH, TO LOVE, TO WORK OR PLAY
TASKS LEFT UNDONE MUST STAY THAT WAY
I FOUND PEACE AT CLOSE OF DAY
IF MY PARTING HAS LEFT A VOID
THEN FILL IT WITH REMEMBERED JOY!
A FRIENDSHIP SHARED, A LAUGH, A KISS
AH YESS, THESE THINGS I, TOO, WILL MISS.
BE NOT BURDENED WITH TIMES OF SORROW
I WISH YOU THE SUNSHINE OF TOMORROW.
MY LIFE'S BEEN FULL, I'VE SAVORED MUCH,
GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES. A LOVED ONES TOUCH.
PERHAPS MY TIME SEEMED ALL TO BRIEF
DON'T LENGTHEN IT NOW WITH UNDUE GRIEF.
LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS AND SHARE WITH ME
GOD WANTED ME NOW--
HE SET ME FREE


GOD BLESS DOROTHY AND HER FAMILY AND ALL THAT KNEW HER AND LOVED HER!!
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