Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Relenting

The Christmas update letters finally got to me, so I thought I'd write one, too.
It would have been nice to have mailed this before the holidays, but maybe it isn't too late?
Here goes:
If I were to use a journalistic method to summarize what 2007 was for me, it would be this:
Somewhere along this bumpy journey, between tremendous amounts of physical and emotional loss, I found myself.
Life isn't easy, I get that now.
I chose to challenge myself the best way I knew how -- I started running.
Along with the sore muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons, things started to change.
It became a healthy obsession, a need, eventually a want. I had to do it. I didn't feel good unless I did.
A few falls occurred, but I got back up.
I joined Team in Training, and they helped me achieve, but mostly, they gave me a reason to be. They taught me I should matter.
I trained and ran three half marathons and completed my first marathon -- 26.2 miles -- in June.
Twenty-six point two was the most amazing thing I have ever challenged myself with. I also raised, with the help of friends and family, more than $4,500 for blood cancer research.
That was very moving to me because so many people I loved were touched by cancer. It is evil.
There were other losses along the way, painful ones only time will heal.
But I will heal someday. So will the ones I love.
There's been lots of tears along the way. They still come. But because of people like you, I can endure them.
For people like you, I MUST endure them.
So if you are reading this, chances are you are part of the equation, a piece of the puzzle that, once put together, made the difference in my life.
I believe each of us is here for a reason. I'm not quite sure what mine is yet, but I'm here until I find out. Once I know, you'll likely read about it here.
Thank you for going with me on this journey. I couldn't -- and can't -- do it without you.


QoD: Why do you think are you here?

16 comments:

TNTcoach Ken said...

I have to pass this on to my team. You go rOCK!

Motownrunner said...

great post. by the way, hi coach ken!!!

Strength/Courage/Wisdom said...

I love this post. Happy new year!

Ty said...

You have definitely played a pivotal role in my life this year. I honestly don't know where I would be without your support and guidance. There is something easy, yet strange about the bond we have. I am glad that we have it. Run on, Ms. Liz. Run on.

Amy said...

Bravo. Wonderful letter. I miss my blog friends. I need to get better. I will put that on the list for 2008. I met you this year and am so happy we are friends. I have a good feeling about 2008 and hope I am right. We all need a good drama free year. Hugs.

Amy

Anonymous said...

nice post...in regards to the QoD, I think I'm still figuring that one out.

Anonymous said...

Okay, QOTD, I am here to remind you to blog more often. lol.

Motownrunner said...

i posted. so it's your turn. how you doing?

Motownrunner said...

i currently have never want to get up from bed syndrome.

Motownrunner said...

i also have bad hair color. and a mediocre haircut.

Motownrunner said...

but there are more serious things in life to worry about so i'll stop complaining right now. how are you?

Motownrunner said...

i see coach ken stopped by here. i'm jealous.

Motownrunner said...

darn, didn't take me long to get negative again. glad coach ken stopped here and blessed your page.

Motownrunner said...

i think hillary clinton stole from this post.

Motownrunner said...

ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Motownrunner said...

you are slacking worse than me.