Warning, May Cause Tears

Today I ran 11 miles.

Yesterday as I was preparing mentally and hydrating and, of course, checking Facebook, I came across the status of a fellow SPA, Tough Chik, blogger and friend, Jolene.

She talks about preparing for her 16 mile run for today.  She then went on to say that she had just learned of 14 year old girl who had been fighting cancer the last several years.  Her family had just been told that she would not make it through the next two weeks.  

Jolene is a nurse who cares for children with cancer.  She did not know this girl or her family, but she dedicated her miles to her.  I cried when I read this and decided that my miles would be dedicated to 14 year old Taylor and her family also.

I was up before 6 am, and out the door by 6:20.  It was already hot and humid but up the dreaded hill I went.  It took the first three miles to find a good groove and it was in mile 4 that I started to think and pray for Taylor and her family.

I got teary almost immediately and in my head, I was yelling at God.  I will never understand why parents have to lose their children.  We have all heard and probably used the expression, "it's God's plan", but it will never make sense to me.

I calmed myself down and asked God to give me the strength to get through these miles and to give Taylor her family and as much time as possible in the next two weeks.

I ran slow, but I enjoyed the morning and was happy and thankful that I was able to run.  Right after mile 6, I had my first GU.  It was peanut butter and it was better than I thought it would be.

I was also combining this run today, as part of the Great Cupcake Race.  This was a virtual race and it was hosted by Run Find Your Happy Pace and Running In Sanity.  This race was to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This is, of course a cause that is near an dear to me and I was happy to contribute.

Smiling after 11 miles, yeah I am nuts!

Cute Bondi Band, right!

When my GPS read 11 miles, I was so relieved.  I walked home, showered and ate breakfast and took a little nap.

When I woke up, I checked Jolene's status to see how her 16 miles went.  It was here that I read the sad news that this morning, Taylor had earned her wings.

I was shocked, I don't even know this family, yet I broke down and cried.  I know two weeks is not a long time, but it was 24 hours!  I was home alone with my youngest and I just grabbed her and gave her the biggest hug I could.  There is nothing more special than our children and we need to be thankful for them everyday.

I was sore and sad but I wanted to do something special with my daughter.  It was just the two of us and this is her last week before she goes back to preschool.  So, I took her for her first pedicure.

Me and my baby!

Pink and Purple

She was so excited.  She picked out a hot pink and sat like a princess.  It was the best part of my day and I will never forget it.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Spend it with those that you love and be sure to tell them you do.  Hug them and be patient.  Listen to what they have to say and thank God for your time with them.

Run Strong, Think Big!