TOMORROW!!! TOMORROW!!! TOMORROW!!! TOMORROW!!!
The AIDS Walk/Run is TOMORROW but you can still donate to help support ACR Health and all of the programs that they offer.
I’ve seen other racers do this for their race, and mentally I have done this during a race, but I have decided that I will be dedicating each mile tomorrow to someone, or even a family or group of people:
Mile 1: My Family
Both my mom’s side of the family and dad’s side of the family have had a rough start to 2015 with the passing of my grandfather and step-mom. There are far too many words that I could write here, but instead I will just leave it at this: I have seen both my mother and father (and step sister) deal with their respected losses the only way they can, and that is by taking it step by step, day by day, and well that’s what the first mile is about – taking it step by step and setting the pace. Doing this in real life means taking the highs with the lows and not letting it hold you back, and that’s what sets the tone of this race. My first mile goes out to Tom and Paula Schweizer, my Dad, Melanie Wilson, Mackenzie Wilson, and Jacob Wilson just to name a few. Even if I didn’t include you in that list, trust me you are helping to push me through!)
Mile 2: Mary & Shelly
Mile 2 on this course brings a few different uphill climbs that will stop you in your tracks, and these two women here are two of the bravest and courageous women I know. Having both battled and beaten breast cancer in the past few years these two women took their battle head on and I only hope that I can do the same when these hills do their best to hold me back. So ladies know that I am attempting to tackle Mile 2 in the same way you tackled cancer and BEAT IT!
Mile 3: Grandpa & Grandma A.
(Woah, we’re half way there; Woah, livin’ on a prayer; Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear; Woah, livin’ on a prayer)
I have started wearing a red-white-blue armband while running and playing softball. I am sure that people just assume I am being patriotic, and don’t get me wrong I am, about 10%, but the other 90% is because my grandmother’s favorite color was red, my grandfather’s was blue, and how fitting that they were married on the 4th of July, hence the red, white, and blue I honor them with. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss either one of them, I am choosing to honor them with the third mile, and pushing me into the halfway point.
Mile 4: Frannie Borland
Frannie’s Fanny Packs is a previous R4R running cause, and one that will always remain close to my heart. Although Frannie lost her battle to pancreatic cancer, she didn’t go down without a fight, and I am sure that around mile 4 I will be looking to take it easy, but I know Frannie’s memory will remind me to keep on fighting, so mile 4 is for you Frannie!
Mile 5: Amber, Garrett, Gavin, and Deser’a Stage
Amber and Garrett are constant supporters of Runnin’ 4 a Reason, and this race in particular. Garrett’s mom passed away when he was quite young due to AIDS. On top of that, this past week the entire Stage family was rocked with the sudden passing of their second/third mother, their Aunt Karen. I had the honor of meeting Karen when I photographed Garrett and Amber’s wedding in 2013. The love that this woman had for her nieces and nephews was very apparent as I could tell she would do anything to move mountains for them. Mile 5 is in honor of the Stage Family.
Mile 6: Kristie
Let’s face it, without this rock by my side I don’t know where I would be. Not only does she support me in all that I do, sometimes more vocally than others, she has dealt with chronic pain for the past 8 years due to an autoimmune disorder. This pain may have ultimately derailed her life temporarily, and caused her to rely on a cane and even a wheelchair to “enjoy” life with, she doesn’t let hold her back from living each and every day. I can’t even begin to imagine what she experiences day in and day out, but yet each day she gets out of bed and takes on the world as best she can, some days may be better than others, but she never ever gives in. So when I want to quit because I’m tired, and I don’t feel I have the strength, Kristie will be pushing me to the finish line.
THANK YOU to all of you who have supported me, and to those who have read this far I hope you found it worth your time. There is still time to donate to this great cause and support this race.
To do so check out the link: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/monicaeverdyke/23rd-annual-aids-walkrun