Motivation Monday - Running 4 Maggie

Grab a button and join us for Motivation Monday!

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Also, I real quick update on my fainting spells: Turns out, I am sick. Like want to curl up in a ball and rock back and forth sick. I might be a little MIA this week, but will be back once I'm back on my feet! I'm unable to work out, so hopefully I can control my food intake!
I'm a bit behind on responding to comments and emails. I'll get to everyone as soon as I can! :)
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"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a wonderful treasure to always hold in your heart. Miss you forever & always."

The past year was full of tragedy, sadness and trials in my life. Some of which I've addressed, some I haven't and possibly never will. However, it was also a year of personal growth which ultimately led me to my healthier lifestyle.

Just over a year ago, Wyatt's older brother passed away suddenly and far, far too soon. A few months later, my boss who was a second father to me (and Wyatt's great uncle) was killed in a job site accident. This past May, my child hood best friend passed away a few days before her 26th birthday.

There are no words to describe the pain one goes through when someone you love passes away. Especially unexpectedly. I've seen first hand just how short life is. We take so many things for granted and think we have all the time in the world, when in reality, we don't know how much time we have.

Not a single day has gone by that I don't think of them. The good and the bad. But I've also struggled with regrets. Things you did or didn't do. Things you wish you would have said when you had the chance. I can't go back and change any of it. All I can do is show them these things through the life I live now. I find myself going through life at a slower pace. Soaking all the little moments in. Things that bothered me in the past, don't seem near as important now and for those things, I am grateful.

When I heard Sami's story about her sister, Maggie, I was touched. What a wonderful thing to take the memory of such a special person and improve the lives of others. I didn't know Maggie personally, of course, but she has impacted my life through Sami's hard work.

I ran my Running 4 Maggie 5K Wednesday evening after work. Before heading out, I decided not to worry about my time. That's not what this run was about. I dedicated each mile towards one of the people I've lost. For mile one I though of Wyatt's brother, mile two was Steve, and three Kynstyl. There were a lot of tears shed in this 5k, but happy tears.

 At the end of 3.1 miles I sat in the park for awhile, just to pull myself together. Then, I thought of Sami and Maggie, and I got up and ran one more for them.

As you go through your week, notice the small things. Embrace every moment you have with the people you love, and don't forget to tell them how much they mean to you.

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