Ok, so this isn’t the rest of my race report but it kinda sorta does have something to do with my first half marathon and this past week. I’ll start out by telling you about a sad sight/experience I had as I was getting ready to leave the race last Saturday.
My parents and I were walking towards the parking lot and were walking along the finishing stretch… I was cheering on everyone I could by name since it was on their bibs. I was still feeling a little out of it and totally happy and excited about what I had just accomplished! Then I saw it… an ambulance. As we got closer I could see that someone had collapsed less than 100 yards from the finish line! The medics were desperately trying to give her CPR and get her to breathe! They were giving her CPR for what seemed like forever and finally put her in the squad and raced her to the Nashville hospital.
All I could keep thinking was “This is supposed to be a happy day!” It was sad and unexpected and something I had never seen before… it was very scary. I thought about her and prayed for her throughout the day and couldn’t get that image out of my head. It was later confirmed that she had passed away! Why God? She had family cheering her on, she was healthy and volunteered her time and was making a difference in other people’s lives! I don’t know why it was her time to go but it got me thinking.
First, I had never been so grateful that I had had my heart tested in the week leading up to my first half marathon! Yes, that could have been anyone out there, including me! So, please, if you haven’t had a physical or had your heart looked at and are running… GO GET IT CHECKED OUT!! It’s worth spending the money in the end to make sure you will still be alive to share your special memories with family and friends!
Also, I have been taking a lot of things for granted including my relationship with God. He has blessed me with so much and I have so many things to be thankful for! I am healthy and getting stronger! I have parents who would and do help me out if they can and will make an effort to come to things and support me when it matters the most. I have siblings that although at times can annoy me, are there for me if I am having a bad day (most of the time). I have a boyfriend who supports me in anything I do and can see past my faults. I have jobs that keep me on my feet financially and a degree that I can fall back on if I need to. I have a brain that works properly and motivation to keep me going when things get hard. I have an awesome GOD who created me and all these wonderful people I have in my life and is there for me when I feel the world is crashing down all around me.
The list goes on and on… but I am so thankful for everything! This week has been an eye opener and I continue to pray for that lady’s family. Don’t take things for granted! Tell people in your life how important they are and how much you love them!
Any day can be thanksgiving day… what are you thankful for?
