The people who carry me, Part 1

I consider it a privilege to tie on my running shoes and step out of my front door for a run almost any time I want. No, I don't always feel like it. It certainly doesn't always feel good. And sometimes I curse the pavement with every thumping stride. Then somewhere along the way my thoughts turn from cursing to reflection. Before I know it, I'm enjoying myself. And the reason for this is because of four women in my life. I think about them every time I'm running and it's because of these four women that I will continue to run for the rest of my life.

My Grandma

I really didn't know my Grandmother that well, although, she often paid me special attention. She had a strong sense of Matriarch. Out of fifty grandchildren, I am her only daughter's only daughter. I am just beginning to understand the significance of this to her. It was not a coincidence that I was one of the last people to hold her hand and read to her before she passed. Or that my infant daughter rested in her still arms while she took her last breaths. When she could have crossed to heaven, she waited for us. This is what I think about when I run. 

I also think about her strong character and unwavering faith. Her attention to her health and fitness. I wonder about everything that was important to her and how I can best honor her in living my own life.

With each step forward, thoughts of her carry me. She had faith in my potential when I couldn't see it for myself. She believed in me. And because of that I run, even when it hurts. I run because it builds strength, confidence, character, and perseverance. Characteristics my Grandmother had, characteristics I long to have.

The remaining 3 coming soon.