Don't fall over, I'm actually updating my blog. I've been wanting to for so long now but with Facebook it seems as though there is nothing to update on. I've decided to write a post about the London Bridge Half Marathon that I will be running tomorrow. I've seen others dedicate each mile of a race to special people in their lives and I though I would like to do the same. So here it goes in no particular order.
Mile 1-My Mom
This goes without saying. She is one of the most special people in my life. She has dedicated her life to the raising of her children and some grandchildren very unselfishly. When most people her age are retired and living in peace she continues to serve her family on a daily basis. I know for a fact that she wouldn't have it any other way. She is strong in spirit too. She loves the Lord and puts him first in her life. I feel so lucky to have her to talk to whenever I need to. I would say I have the best mommy in the whole world.
Mile 2-My Dad
This also goes without saying. My dad is the reason I run. We would run together before school when I was a teenager. I can remember going to bed at night and saying, "Don't forget to wake me up to go running". He and I would run together in the dark cold morning. It is a very special memory for me. My dad at the age of 70 still continues to run quite often. He is my motivator. He is also a great example to me of love and service and has always been willing and ready to help out those in need.
Mile 3- My MIL Kathy
I must say that I've lucked out when it comes to my in-laws. I've heard horror stories about MIL's and feel fortunate that I have none to tell. Kathy is very special. She is very concerned and caring towards her family and friends. She is a wonderful grandmother to my two children. She takes the time out of her busy schedule to help me out whenever I need someone to watch the kids. The girls always look forward to having "sleepovers" with grandma. I know that they are in good care when at their home. I must also add that she is a fantastic cook. We always look forward to eating dinner at her house cause we know it will be yummy.
Mile 4- MY FIL Mike
What can I say about Mike...just kidding. I love my FIL. He is one of a kind but very special and I respect him. He comes off sometimes as being tough as a result of his career in law enforcement but we all know deep down inside he as a huge soft spot, especially for his two granddaughters. They just love him so much and love when he jokes with them. He is also a very good example of service always ready and willing to help with a move or a blessing, and believe me this happens a lot in this area.
Mile 5- My Brothers and Sisters
I feel so blessed to be part of such a large family. I am dedicating this mile to my 5 sisters and 6 brother. This would also include their spouses and all my wonderful nieces and nephews. I would also like to add my beautiful sister-in-law Amy. She is amazing and I've always admired her hard work and strong spirit. We don't get to be together very often but I do love each and every one of them. I will be thinking of each of them throughout this mile.
Mile 6-GRAM
This is a picture of my beautiful "Gram". She is my mom's mom. Gram passed away a few years ago but I still think of her often. Most of the happiest memories I have as a child were at her home in Ormond Beach, FL. We spent most of our Spring Breaks and Summer's down there. She was a very special lady and made all of us grand kids feel warm and welcome when we came to visit even though I'm sure we were probably driving her crazy and making messes in her home. What I always looked forward to was her taking us to get ice cream at Friendly's.
Mile 7-GRANDMA GILLIAM
From the time I was born Grandma Gilliam lived with us so I basically grew up with her. She has also passed away but still in my thoughts often. She always welcomed us grand kids up to her room whenever we wanted to sit and watch TV with her or to sneak a little orange slice (those gross little gummy candies shaped like an orange slice). She was a great lady who served in lots of ways despite her old age. I can remember driving with her to church and having to pick up a lady who lived in a nursing home. She would make sure that this lady had a ride each Sunday. She was a great lady and a great example to her family.
Mile 8-Michael (aka my husband)
This mile I will dedicate to one of the hardest working, loving, caring men I know. I am so proud of him and how hard he works to support out family. I know it isn't always easy between his work (elementary school principal), church duties, and of course his family but hardly ever do I hear him complain. He is always moving forward. He is such a great daddy. The girls mean everything to him and he goes out of his way to make sure they know that he loves them. It's been a great blessing to have him be the principal of the school that Ellie goes to and that Emma will attend next year. I feel as though they are being watched over and it gives me peace of mind. It's hard to believe we are going on 14 years of marriage. It's gone by so fast. I love him very much!
Mile 9-Ellie
This mile is for my sweet little Ellie Belly! I just love her so much. She is such a joy to my life. She gave us a scare when she came into this life so I don't ever take her for granted. I can't believe that she will be 7 this year. I can remember sitting in the hospital after she was born and rocking her for hours in the middle of the night. I just starred into her sweet little face. It was joy in the purest form ever. I was her mother and she depended upon me completely. I'll never forget those precious first moments with her.
Mile 10- EMMA
Emma is also such a joy to have in my life. I've really enjoyed our time together this year with Ellie being in school. She is a fun little buddy to have around and so easy going. I will miss her next year when she is in school full time. She is very caring and sensitive to others. She loves her big sister and even though they have their little spats I know that Ellie is her best friend. I love this little girl so much.
Miles 11-13.1 ME, MYSELF, & I
I am going use the last few miles to think about myself. I know this might seem a little selfish or self indulgent but I have a lot of things that I want to work on to improve myself physically, mentally and spiritually throughout the next year. I will think about what is most important to me and make a mental list of the goals that I have for the future. I'm know that I'm not perfect and I'm not suppose to be but I feel as though I'm not climbing as high to reach my full potential.
And I come to an end. I really enjoyed writing this post as it made me reflect and record these thoughts that I have. I have many more wonderful people in my life other than the ones listed. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by great people on a daily basis. Anyways, I run tomorrow not to race or beat last years time (although that would be a nice perk) but to enjoy doing something that makes me feel happy and accomplishing a goal that I set for myself at the beginning of the year. Anyways, wish me luck!
