Whew! The marathon was Sunday and it was very long, wet, cold, hard, tiring, draining and more. It doesn't even compare with one day that a leukemia patient has to go through so please don't think I am complaining. During the marathon I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about the struggles they have dealt with.
At mile 20 I was ready to break down but I looked at my bib and saw who I had dedicated miles to and realized that mile 20 was dedicated to two-year Annah who passed away from leukemia on Sept 18th. She never got the chance to experience what I was doing and it broke my heart that what she did experience involved so much pain in her short time. I took a deep breath, said, "O.K, Annah, this one's for you" and said a prayer for her mom who works with my friend, Suzie. From there I was fighting tears all the way to the finish line because every mile from mile 18 was dedicated to someone who currently is or has battled leukemia. Miles 1-17 were dedicated to my family. But knowing that mile 18 and on were going to be my hardest I completed them for Amy, Jake, Annah, David, Rick, Tonya, Curtis, Mitch, and George.
I'm much more like the tortois than the hare when it comes to putting in the miles so it gave me a lot of time with my thoughts (and the rain). However, finish was fantastic.
Thank you to each and every one who donated. The donations have exceeded my expectation. I am humbled by your support and generosity.
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