This is a story about Sharron I wrote years ago that captures the depth of Sharron's compassion and deep commitment to sharing God's grace in practical ways.
The McCary family has a special affection for Sharron. As you may know she was Ironman Race Director for years. One year the McCary family was competing in the Keahou Half Ironman in Kona which was an Ironman qualifier.
My son, Mike, had shared with me the tragedy of one of his fellow Aloha pilots. His friend, Greg Matson, had lost his daughter in a horrible drowning incident a few years earlier. Greg was also a triathlete and was competing in the Keahou race and hoping to win an Ironman slot. Greg wanted to do the Ironman and dedicate the race to his daughter's memory. He wanted to carry her with him in his heart during the race.
Unfortunately, Greg did not win an Ironman slot.
Following the race food and refreshments were served as athletes milled around and talked about their experiences. As we talked Mike noticed his friend Greg with his wife walking past us. We began to talk with them about the race. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Mike becoming edgy and restlessly. Something was cooking inside of him.
He caught my eye and nodded to me that he wanted to talk to me. We stepped away for Greg and his wife as my wife Diane continued to chat with them. Mike said, " Dad, what would you think if I asked Sharron if she would let Greg into the Ironman?" Mike was about to break out of his feelings of impotence and take a risk.
"Go for it Mike. Mom and I will keep talking to Greg and his wife." Ten minutes after Mike went looking to find Sharron he came back. He had explained the whole tragedy to Sharron. With tears in his eyes he reported. "Dad, she said YES."
"Should we tell him" Mike said. I said, "why don't you get Sharron and let her tell him." We can then all be a part of it. He left, got Sharron and brought her back and introduced her to Greg and his wife. Sharron then looked at Greg and said "Mike has told me of your wish to qualify and dedicate your race to your daughter." I want to reserve and Ironman slot for you this year or any year you want to compete. Just let me know and I can make all the arrangements."
Stunned would be a major understatement. The offer took time to digest for Greg and his wife. While it was being digested tears started to leak from all who were there. A very special thing had just happened and we all knew it. It was chicken skin for all of us. The spiritual essence of the Ironman was now clearly exposed. No committees, no applications, no hemming or hawing about an Ironman slot. Just a straight shot of compassion from Mike and Sharron's hearts to Greg and his wife wounded hearts.
Greg competed the following October with his daughter in his heart. Thanks Sharron. Those precious moments can never be undone. They are eternal.
With gratitude and love, The McCary family, Diane, Mike, Pat, Kristen, Devonee, Nathan, Austin, Autumn, Landon, Josh and Summer.