About a month after Clairisa passed away, I decided to write a letter to her. In fact, I did it on my blog. (you can click here to read it). I know that she may never read those words, but for me it was a way to say all of the things that I wanted her to know. Well, I have decided to do the same thing for you Grandpa. Do you remember what I said to you when you were so sick in the hospital with leukemia? I told you that since you couldn't run anymore, that I would start running for you. Since that conversation and over the last 5 years, I have ran four 5Ks, 1 unofficial half-marathon (my friend Austyn and I made up a course and did it on our own since she found out she was going to be moving to New York), and one official half-marathon. During that time I have also had three babies, which meant that I have taken a lot of time off, but then I have always started it back up because I knew that someday I was going to accomplish the one thing that I knew I needed to do...run a marathon in honor of you. It was and is a very lofty goal, but I am determined to do it. I will never be as fast as you (at 3 hours and 10 minutes) or even come close to qualifying for the Boston Marathon like you did, but I will give it all that I've got and eventually make it across that finish line, even if I have to crawl there.
The first half of my training, I was focused on the half-marathon. But now that I've finished that, I'm putting all my focus onto the full thing. Last Saturday, I ran 17 miles. I never ever dreamed or even imagined that someday I would be running 17 miles, and that is still not even close to 26. But, I will eventually get there too. Since this is such a lofty goal for me, I have decided to be better about documenting my training so that someday I can go back, remember, and relive the experience.
Grandpa, I love you and think about you all the time. You are one of my greatest heroes and I will forever be grateful for the example that you set me. Not just the example of running, your continual and incredible example of love for everyone around you. Although I can no longer talk or visit with you, you are still very much a part of my life and always will be.
Love Always and Forever,
Melissa
1 comment:
Your Grandpa is looking down on you and is so proud of your accomplishments as a runner, a mother, and a person. I am so prod of you too Melissa! I know you can run a marathon. I know you can do anything you put your mind to because you are just awesome like that. :)
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