LONDON'S RUN 2012
Almost 6 years ago, I was coaching a cute little 5 & Under Synchro Team during the winter while in high school. I met many wonderful people while coaching there - many with whom I still keep in contact with! One of my little swimmers informed me of her cousin, London, that had cancer and had passed away just before Christmas at the young age of 6 years old. I remember vividly the sadness in her voice as she spoke of her cousin, her friend, but I also remember her confidence as she spoke of being able to see her cousin again in heaven. It had a profound effect on me.
Little children have so much to teach us!
That following year (2007), I participated, with all my little swimmers, in the 2nd annual London's Run to support children with cancer. I ran the 2 mile fun run next to my little swimmers and had the incredible experience of seeing so many little girls work together to finish what seemed to them as a very difficult task! I then watched as each one cheered on MANY of their teammates to finish the race! It was all about finishing... not who did it in the fastest time or looking the prettiest!
Kids see the bigger picture!
The following year I ran the 10K. Along the 6 mile trail were pictures of all the kids with cancer who were being sponsored accompanied with sayings such as, "It's the hard things in life that make us stronger." As I rounded the corner and sprinted to the finish, my little swimmers cheered and jumped in beside me. They couldn't have been happier that Coach Kourtney (and a few other coaches) did the "big" race!
Children know how to find the good in others!
In 2009, I ran my very first half marathon at London's Run. I had trained consistently and I felt very prepared but still VERY nervous! I had a prayer in my heart that I would just finish the 13.1 miles without being hauled out on a stretcher. Not even one mile into the race, I saw a picture of London with a saying, followed by 25 more pictures (one every 1/2 mile) with things that said, "If you think running is hard, try cancer!" or "One Step at a Time" or "Toenails are overrated!" Each picture touched me and many times I couldn't help from tearing up (not the most conducive action to breathing while running). I finished my first half marathon and loved it so much I have kept the tradition of running one each year!
Kids with cancer are strong!
2010 was planned to be my 2nd half marathon... except I had bronchitis! But I had convinced my family to come with me so I ran/walked my mom while my dad, sister, and brother D ran. My mom lost an older brother to cancer as well - that is why my mom decided to sign the family up for it! Her brother died when he was 14 years old (my mom was 7 at the time). I have heard many stories about him and the struggles her family went through as cancer touched their family! To stay with my mom the first year she came ended up being a neat experience!
Cherish memories!
In 2011, I ran the 10K. My mom, dad, and sister joined me again. This year we saved time after the race to walk around the venues and read the story of London and the many other children they were sponsoring. It was touching. These are incredible children with incredible families who have hope for and in the future - no matter what it brings. They cherish one another. They make each moment count. They have a firm grasp on what really matters!
Families affected by cancer are incredible!
Earlier this year, we learned that 2012 would be the last and final London's run. I knew no matter what that I would be there for it! Mom, dad, A, and I ran it one last time! I participated in the 10K. Over the years, I not only loved the pictures of the children lining the race, but I also felt as if hundreds of children who had passed away due to cancer were there cheering on the runners. This final year was no exception! Many families and friends of children who had passed away from cancer attend each year to honor their little ones and I've always felt as if each of those little spirits, now freed from a hurting body, were there to support the ones they loved.
Families are Forever!
I know without a doubt that there is life after this one! I know that we can live as families together forever because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His perfect atonement. I know someday, I will get to meet some of these incredible children that have cheered me on for the past 5 years! My thanks goes out to the families who have shared their inspiring stories and helped me feel that much closer to heaven!
London's Run 2012
