A second reason I run is to honor and remember those who can't. When I started training for a half-marathon last fall, I learned that my sister-in-law's cancer had returned. It was stage 4. She had so much trouble with the cancer in her lungs that it was a struggle just for her to breathe. Large amounts of fluid had to be drained from her lungs, and she spent many agonizing nights in the hospital. Every time I would start running, I'd think about her family. I became very conscious of my breath, that constant yet essential function, and I remembered to pray for Sheila to be healed.
It is for her, my dear sweet sister-in-law
Sheila, who bravely continues her struggle against cancer, that I dedicate this
marathon. Your faith and courage are such an inspiration, and I love you. For the other two family members that have been lost to cancer, my step-brother Chris, and my mother-in-law Glenda: I
know we'll one day run together on streets of gold.
You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. - C.S. Lewis
So much we often take for granted and forget to be thankful for. Like breath and movement and health and just life itself. I am thankful for you and for your sharing.
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