I am.....because you are.....

Hi folks,

Thanks for dropping by again!

This week I’d like to reflect a little on the meaning of “thanks”…..a word said by all of us …many times…every day….

“Thanks for holding the door.”  “Thanks for the lift.” “Thanks for making supper.”

When we say “thanks”; it’s our attempt to show gratitude for a good deed done on our behalf. Sometimes it’s trivial…..but there are also times, when “thanks” just doesn’t seem to be enough. It’s at those times when many of us will then resort to material things as a larger expression of our thanks….a gift card…flowers….a permanent plaque or picture mounted for all to see.

Many years ago (31 to be exact….sweet Lord where does the time go????); I entered MUN with the dream of becoming a Nurse. My dream fulfilled; I started work at our local children’s emergency department in 1989. I was young, eager, and ohhhhh so green. I set out to change the world but instead, the world changed me.

Over the years, I was thanked numerous times for the care I provided….each one held a special place in my heart….some more than others due to the nature of the child’s illness and my connection to the parents.

But it was one of our miracle kids who had survived Cancer that perhaps, said “thank-you” the most eloquently. Not to me, but a public tribute to her late oncologist who had been there for her from the time she was diagnosed until she was declared to be in remission. ‘Dr. Jack” as he was affectionately known to his kids, passed away several years ago from Cancer himself, and at his funeral; his brother read some messages that had been sent to the family. One of these was from the young lady mentioned above. It simply stated: “I am…because you were”

I am …..because you were….pretty profound, eh !

By now you’re probably thinking….what’s this got to do with running?

I’d like to change it a little to say….”I am….because you are”….

I am not home sitting on my sofa every night…..because you all are behind me in every step of my running journey.

I am not stopping before the finish line….because you are all there cheering me on and waiting for me to cross…..heck...some of you are even coming back and running the extra K’s with me to make sure I get across !!!

I am encouraged and empowered to continue on …..because you are all there to run with me along the way.

We are a running family…..because we each understand the importance of being there for each other….to run ….to laugh….and sometimes to pick each other up….and dust off along the way.

So yes my friends…….I am……because you are….

And I just wanted to say…..THANKS !!!