After the race

Cade doesn’t know if he’ll ever do another Ironman, but he and his family find other ways to honor Miles. They celebrate his birthday by visiting his grave and doing a random act of kindness.

“We just strive to live the best life we can with our kids that are here and spreading love, spreading compassion, spreading empathy to people that are hurting or have been in similar situations as us,” Brooke said.

The Ironman tattoo on Cade’s right calf, which includes a heart, and the red Children’s Heart Foundation bracelet that Cade has worn for the past seven years after he signed up to fundraise are daily reminders of their son, as is  the song “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED, which they often played when Brooke was pregnant.

“There’s always little moments that are surprises that just kind of bring me back,” Brooke said. “… Some of them are God winks.”

Miles’ memory is also kept alive by Madden and his little brother Major, who was born shortly after the Ironman. Madden was only a toddler when Miles died, but he remembers his baby brother and often talks about him. Two years ago, he wanted to share his favorite cookies with Miles, so he taped two vanilla wafers to a balloon and released it outside.

“For Madden to remember those things, it means everything,” Brooke said.

Cade said that no matter what the future holds, he’ll never forget everything Miles and the race taught him — to challenge himself, cherish the present and keep perspective on what truly matters. 

“It was very, very cool to become an Ironman, and the purpose behind it,” Cade said. “I was just so happy. The people there were so happy for me. It’s just a great way to honor my son.”