Turkey Trot

Even before cancer invaded my life, I had been chasing the elusive 5K. In the Solomon Islands or in America, jogging without stopping just felt impossible.

Until now. Once again, I recruited my unstoppable cello student and gym buddy, Evan. His enthusiasm is contagious.

And once again, my family somehow realized how important this race felt. Post-cancer recovery includes physical healing, but this milestone felt emotionally raw as I attempted to finally meet the goal of completing a race without stopping to walk.

My amazing daughters made signs and picked a spot where they could cheer for me both coming and going. I got high fives, too!

The different circles of my community intersected at the race. Former and current orchestra students (something about cellists and running!) braved the chilly morning. I didn't get a picture with Mr. Speedy, the former student who is now a fantastic young man who owns his own business and runs FAST, he won the entire race. And my goal is still to run twice as slowly as he does :)

I also didn't get a picture with Amy, my gym buddy. I didn't know she was running the Turkey Trot until I saw her just in front of me at the beginning of the race. I stayed within sight for the entire race, and with just a few hundred yards to go, I caught up. We chose to run across the finish line together, which seemed appropriate because she has been one of my biggest cheerleaders through cancer and my recovery. 

What a meaningful way to begin a day devoted to thankfulness. To be reminded of the encouraging people God has brought across my path. To meet a goal that I thought I would never, ever conquer. To revel in this fearfully and wonderfully made body that has carried me through so much over the last 50+ years.