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My "running" list first started my Junior year of high school. I was starting my 2nd season of track, wasn't but a few weeks into it, determined to make it a good year. I then heard some shocking news, about a great-Aunt of mine, whom I had visited for the first time that summer. That summer, she was just getting over cancer, things were looking good, she was looking great. After a long battle, all of the cancer was finally gone. I only got to meet her very briefly, but she was so kind and warm. One of the nicest people I had ever met. She greeted me like she had known me forever, even though that was our first time ever seeing one another. Well as I was gearing up for another track season, I heard some news that some of the cancer had gone dorment when the docs had thought that it went completely away. Unfortunately, they were wrong. The cancer came back, with a vengence, it was twice as strong as before.I believe it was no more than 2 weeks after that, it finally took over and she passed away. I'm not sure why, for I had the honor of only meeting her once, but I still felt like I had lost someone I knew my entire life. I could not see how such a caring person as she deserved to have something like this happen to her, it just wasn't fair. I tried to continue running, but I just couldn't, she was always on my mind and I would often stop, break down and cry. Then from hearing a story from an marathon runner and her sister's death, she made me see that no matter how much pain I go thru from running, it will never equal my Aunt's pain. She was a very strong person, which I admire her for and resolved that day that I would strive to be as strong as her. I promised her that I would not miss a day of track practice and do my very best. I suceeded, never missing one practice the '00 season and earning a varsity letter. And so, my list was begun....Still being added to this day.....now with 15 people on it. Ones that I have seen have the same strength in that my Aunt Alice had. People who are living and people who are spirits, people of all ages, some who are long time friends, some that I never have met, but all of them I love, respect, honor and cherish for being there for me and being my daily inspiration. |
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Aunt Alice,
I once promised you that I would do my best in track in your honor, trying to show the same strength that you gave me.....and I returned with a Varsity letter.
Then I promised that I would run a marathon for you, which I will in June 2001.
Finally, my last promise to you is to run the 800 either in Greece or the 2008 Olympics and bring you back a Gold medal.
All my love,
Heather |
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