Bryan and I got to Bonita Springs on Tuesday, on Wednesday we went exploring in the car and found a deserted area that had a doggie beach — Lovers Key. While walking along the shore line looking for shells or sea glass I found something even better! I did wash the rock off before taking the picture.
Sometimes I wish I could write my blog directly from my thoughts as I am running. I’ve had lots of thoughts running through my head the last few days. Fast approaching are two unfortunate anniversaries. On January 24, 1977 my mother died, at age 53 from breast cancer. On January 26, 2013 my friend and JGSSM Club member Peggy Marino suffered a seizure and never regained consciousness. She died the next day — she was 50 years old. An 8 year old boy died in a fire on Monday after saving 6 of his extended family members, he went back to try to save a seventh. The anniversary of “Black Sunday“, January 23, 2005 when 2 NYC Firemen died, and 4 were seriously injured.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m not depressed, just feeling very raw and vulnerable.
I was talking to my friend Kris briefly before my run today. She mentioned that she thought she was “prepared” for Peggy’s anniversary but is finding she’s not. Neither am I. At this time last year I had just returned from an amazing trip to Costa Rica with my husband, a place I love to visit. We both returned feeling an incredible sense of peace and contentment.
All that changed with a phone call and a weekend spent in a hospital. A bond was formed that weekend between Kris, Amy and myself that I don’t think will ever be broken. We watched and waited for something that broke all our hearts. Each moment we were there was heartbreaking, although like anything that Peggy was involved with there were moments that made us smile and laugh while we shared memories with her family. What we all came away with was a reminder of just how fragile life is, and how quickly it can all change. It was another reminder to me that I need to live each moment as if it’s my last. And appreciate and cherish each moment with those I love, because it could be their last. I’ve thought a lot this week about those I love — my husband, my daughter, my dog, my family, my friends, all the wonderful acquaintances I’ve made.
I don’t want to lose anyone. And I want to be here forever! I’m in Florida right now, and it’s been a bit scary to look around and see so many fragile senior citizens. Although both Bryan and I did get a good laugh about the older woman I saw struggling to get a box out of her shopping cart and into her car trunk. I went over to help her and she quickly explained that Johnny Walker Red was on sale and that was the reason she had gotten six liter bottles. Hey, live it up while you can!
Today’s run was a reflection, a reminder of how truly blessed I am. I never expected to be so happy and have such a full and wonderful life. I thought about running for Meg Menzies, who was run over at age 34 and killed by a drunk driver while on a training run. I thought about running for Peggy, and for my mom and for everyone else who wishes they could run but can’t, or don’t, or who are just afraid to try. I guess I could try to wrap myself and those I love in bubble wrap to keep us all safe, but I can’t. And just think about all those beautiful moments I’d miss if I didn’t live each and every moment that I have to the utmost.
moirahoran 