They say you can never really understand someone's life or problems until you've walked a mile in their shoes...I learned this first hand nearly 3 weeks ago when I lost my sister. Seemingly enough when a friend had lost a loved one I would always say, "I'm sure it's tough and I can hardly imagine what you are going through". On December 15th at 11:45 a.m. my life changed and I had put those proverbial shoes on my feet. Caryn died unexpectedly and without warning she left a world that she loved and a life that she cherished. Now as the New Year has arrived and each day passes I have found that I am relying on running more than ever.
Last month I made the decision to sign up for the Vermont 100 miler. I signed up for this race two and a half weeks before my sister passed. I had hoped that training this winter and spring would be different and that I could share some of my love for running and hiking with Caryn (She had been training to walk the Disney half-marathon next weekend) and hope that she could get a glimpse of why I do what I do. I had hoped that she would be part of my 100 mile journey. But now just as I had "hoped" I am hopeful...
I'm hopeful that I don't lose focus on everything that is important in my life. I am hopeful that my months of upcoming training are successful because now this race means much more. And finally I am hopeful that the hollow feeling in my chest will slowly close to only be replaced by the energy of my sister's smile.
Happy New Year to all and remember to make it GREAT!!!
