Run To Be Me

I stayed out too late Saturday night at at my friend, Sara’s niece, Caylee’s fundraiser.  I had to get up way to early on Sunday. I worked all day. I came home. It was cold. It was rainy. I went out to run.

Saturday night was a great event in honor of Caylee. But, it was also lots of fun.  Sara’s family oozed the same wonderful characteristics as Sara.   I was lucky enough to be seated at the family table. We were smooshed together all nice and cozy, knee to knees. They are sweet, kind, funny, and have filthy minds. They made me laugh until my stomach hurt. (I should have recorded a core workout). I believe the soreness in my butt is from when her sister, SIL, and older niece dragged me onto the dance floor for a few songs (most notably Baby Got Back)

I can see there is much love in this family. Caylee is a lucky girl. 

Meeting Caylee reminded me to live your life every day.  Caylee has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.  At age seven Caylee no longer has muscle strength to hold her head up. She must hold her head with her hands as she struggles to walk upright. She also no longer has muscle strength/ability to smile.

Reality check. A little ass pain is nothing for me. Meh. It will hurt. I will complain about it. I will run. But, I will always remember Caylee to put my shit in perspective.

Shortly after I started the run portion of my walk/run Sunday night I ran past a house with an ambulance outside. As I ran by the paramedics wheeled out a body on a stretcher. And, when I say body, I mean body. This is the second time I have seen this on a run. Once again I did a sign of the cross as I ran by and said a little prayer, one for this unknown person, and one for me - grateful for another day.

I have several running friends fighting tough battles right now.  As in life threatening battles.  Some of whom are destined to die from these terrible illnesses in the not so distant future.  Others with a good chance to beat the beast. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not a tough battle to fight.  Sara, oddly enough, is one of these people.   It may be tough, but she WILL win this.  This I know for sure. 

Life is too short people. Tell those who matter to you that you love them. Do NOT wait until tomorrow. Appreciate every day. Live every moment.

I surely don’t need any more reminders.  

When I was in high school my family was at our vacation home.  We got word that one of our cottages was rented to a U.S. couple.  They wanted to get away and be quiet.  So, we were prepared to give them peace.  Who shows up but Sally Ride and her husband.  This was shortly after she had been in space, so she was very well known at the time.  They were a lovely couple and we stayed out of their way. They walked around the island a lot.  My 16 year old driving self would often pick them up and give them rides home when we saw them walking.  Oh, sure… not too nervous that my dumb ass would kill not one but TWO astronauts.