For many years, I’ve known a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Officer named Robert Starnes. It’s a good thing I keep up with him on Facebook, or I wouldn’t know him if he walked into my living room. I used to see Robert when he weighed 425 pounds. Those days are gone. He is a lean, mean Ironman machine, preparing to compete in the big event on Sunday in Chattanooga. This is the result of a pledge he made to his daughter Jessie, who died on March 19, 2008 at the age of 9, the victim of a sudden brain aneurysm. Shortly before her death, she told him she wished he would lose some weight and get healthy. Seven years have passed, and almost 200 pounds are gone. Let him tell the story:
“Sunday, I will finally honor a promise I made to my 9 year old deceased daughter, Jessie Anna to get healthy just before her death in 2008. It’s been 7 years in the making!!! But, I now feel that Daddy has finally arrived! Special thanks to my daughter, Jennifer Lynn Starnes, my son, Josh and my mom, Jackie for putting up with me & my Ironman training, over the past 11 months! I am So thankful for everyone who has supported & encouraged me on this journey.
To the many Ironman athletes and those in training for Ironman! I am truly humbled by you for continually lifting me up along this journey! I love and appreciate each and everyone of you! I will be racing for Emily’s Power For a Cure Ironman Team, Tennessee Donor Services & all fallen law enforcement officers, who have died in the line of duty.
As always, MY RACE, MY PACE!”
Robert, you are a hero to me. In your personal life, as well as your professional life, you strive to turn negatives into positives. As you’ve said, Jessie was an organ donor, and others live today because of her. I’m thankful you’re an articulate spokesman for that cause, and and proud that you have continued to support her school, Wallace A. Smith Elementary. You’ve said many times that you’re still a work in progress, as are we all. But unlike too many of us, you have made a commitment to yourself, your family and your community. A commitment that has required great determination and more than a little sacrifice. Thank you for being a friend, a role model and an inspiration. You’re not just an Ironman. You’re a good man.
