Today I'm not blogging about my photography. I'm recognizing an amazing experience that I encountered exactly a year ago. For those of you that know me, I fundraised 3K for the American Liver Foundation and traveled to Boston to run the Boston Marathon with my family last year April 20th 2009. All this in honor of my mother who I lost in 2008. I get so emotional when I think of this date and I wanted to share the e-mail I sent to those who helped me make this possible. Thank you again for making this an unforgettable experience that no one will ever take away from me. Because of you, we were able to help others! (a long read, but worth it)...
"Good morning!--Well I am finally back to normal life. Our trip to Boston was such an amazing and emotional experience! First of all, Boston is sooooooo beautiful and clean. Everyone is so friendly and so eco conscious.
Next to experiencing motherhood, this accomplishment has been by far the best experience of my life!!!!! Before my big day, I was nervous, but not as much as I thought I’d be. I had to wake up at 4:00 a.m. in order to be on time for a ride to Hopkinton, where the marathon officially began. The morning was so cold and windy! I could feel the cold through my bones, but I was not complaining, as I am not a fan of the hot weather. I was just so happy it was not raining. I knew the day was going to be long and difficult, but I was determined to finish no matter the time. The crowd was so friendly and full of energy. Everyone was shouting out names and rooting with positive thoughts and energy. I was so happy! I knew my mother was happy too…. I prayed for strong mental energy and zero accidents.
I was feeling great! My foot was always one in front of the other. It was about mile 13 when my left knee began to give me some issues. I had to stop-run, stop-run, more frequent than before. This slowed me down significantly as I would see others pass me by. No matter what, I saw those by standers cheering me on! My family met me at about mile 17. It was so nice and reassuring to see faces that I knew and loved so much.
I knew I was approaching mile 19 b/c of the so called “heartbreak hill”. For those of you that do not know about this “heartbreak hill”, it’s basically nothing buy uphill for about 4-5 miles. This KILLED me!!! But I NEVER stopped! I would have tiny dreams within my head of having an electric scooter…by this time my knee pain was more severe, but I would continue to walk-jog, walk-jog.
The last two miles were the longest ones of my life!!!! I knew I was getting closer to the finish line b/c every bystander would remind me of this! When I hit the last mile, my mind went on a “rewind” mode. Rewind I say b/c I thought about my mothers last 10 months of life while at the hospital. Her pain, suffering, and devastating look. I became so emotional and sobbed like a child. I was in so much pain, but I can assure you it was probably not even 1/10th of what my mother went through. Every pain I felt was worth it! The last ¼ of a mile was never-ending. A wonderful young gentleman asked if he could run to the finish line with me; I nodded yes and began to sob! Not b/c of pain, but b/c of my accomplishment. I made the promise to my mother that I would finish for her and I did! He gave me the biggest hug after my finish…then I hugged my husband who was in tears…Jay, Monica, and my baby came afterwards! I was full of happiness…the weirdest thing ever was that I vividly remember feeling the first rain drop as I crossed the finish line. It was as if My Mother was waiting to shed tears after my accomplishment!
I was extremely tired when I was done…. I had the most wonderful shower, took some Ibuprofen and slept like a baby!!!! I was sore the following day, but this didn’t stop me from taking a tour around Boston and celebrating my accomplishment with my family over a nice dinner and well-deserved beer.
When we arrived home Friday afternoon, my friends had posted a huge poster with a "congratulations" greeting! I was very humbled. I am very blessed to have friends/family that love me and care about what I do. They pampered me with spa goodies and feet care products. My friend Michelle even had delicious T.V. dinners in the freezer for me.... I love her so much! My family got together Friday evening and we had dinner. My nieces and nephews had wrote words of encouragement and drew me running a marathon on poster paper. My family wrote encouraging thoughts on a poster board where my mothers picture was the center of it. One of my brothers wrote a Congratulations message and thanked me for keeping my mothers spirit alive. He mentioned he told his neighbors all day about what I was running for and even mentioned he's proud of having a sister like me. I just can’t fathom on how I am truly blessed for having such amazing family and friends!
Enough of my novel.... in short words, I want to say Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! Your money has been put into GREAT use. Without your prayers and well wishes, this would not have been possible! I know my mother is proud of me------Now, It’s time for another mission—what it is, I do not know yet! Until next time!"
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