Cindy's Place

So, this morning I traveled down to Springdale to work on Cindy's Place...it was cancelled due to supplies issues. Why was that a good thing? I got to spend some quality time with Mom and my body is WHIPPED due to my Fun Run, looking back on it not sure what I could've done.  My kids ran 1,432.5 miles which is amazing to me-we have 620 kids which averages out to about 2 1/3 miles per child in 35 total minutes.  I am in awe of these kids and am so proud of their drive!  Today's kids have a much better understanding of healthy lifestyles than we EVER thought about!  So, today-CRW - WE run because YOU ran!  You worked so hard to make a difference in families exercising together and Friday as I watched kids run with their parents I thought of you so much.  On that same note, we are BOSTON STRONG! The Pirate Way reminds me of the Boston Community as they came together to support each other and show up to run or cheer or provide a safe, secure environment! So, hats off to that Boston Pride!

But when I sit back and think about where I am now compared to where I was a little over 2 years ago.  What is different!?  I still try to do what's right by the kids, I still love my family, I still treasure relationships of friends and colleagues. But, I'm certainly different!  I realize that what I say to someone could be the last thing I say to them. I know that life throws us a curve ball when we least expect it.  I now know what it feels like to take a punch in the gut and be doubled over!  I still have a wave of nausea come over me when I consciously think of the moment I realize you (that is I knew you) were gone. I look back on those moments of being gathered around your bed, standing just outside your room or taking in the support from ALL those from the waiting room and truly would give anything to go back to those days. Only because there was a ray of hope, a sliver of a chance that you would hang around for us. In reality I knew differently, but I still wanted things to go on as they were! Life goes on, life is good, there is so much to be thankful for, and I am who I am because of you!

And because of you, I am happy-I run-I love-I cherish others-I give my best-I look forward-I respect others-
Those of you that read this, what about Cindy makes you who you are today?