Each of us lives life in our own way. We are independent, well, for the most part we are. As we grow, we reach certain milestones. At first the milestones are more for someone else's joy; for example, our first birthday (we certainly don't remember that!), our first steps and our first words. I'm fairly certain my parents now regret my first words because I haven't stopped since! While we may look at old worn and tattered pictures of us with cake all over our face and hair, the nostalgia is felt only within the hearts of our elders.
As we age, we begin to take ownership of the milestones. Who remembers losing their first tooth, and the visit from tooth fairy? How about your first kiss? I would like to say I remember it but I would have to give up my man card. The more time passes, the less trivial the milestones become. I remember it well – the day I finally walked across the stage to receive my high school diploma. I remember double checking to see if it was signed because I didn't take school seriously. I remember the day my children were born like it was yesterday.
Another milestone I remember is my first 5k run. It was January 26th, 2013. It was for Sunshine Fest, a local organization raising money to build a hospitality house. I remember this well because not only was it my first 5k, but it was also the first official race for Michael. I held back a lot of tears crossing the finish line; the threshold of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. My friend Kerri was there cheering me on with all of her might and the metallic clanging of her cowbell got me pushing harder. That was the beginning of "I Run For..."
So here we are, just two and a half months later and the milestones are racking up! We have started branching out from people with Down syndrome, to autism, to cerebral palsy, and are working toward an "I Run For..." remembrance to be headed up by Yvonne Jones!
On April 3rd, 2013, "I Run For..." hit TWO fantastic marks. The first is its 500th group member, Desiree Winnett, who represents the fourth of five countries we have reached. The second benchmark is the 50th match! The lucky pair is Tessa Haft, daughter of Jeri Haft and her runner Kathy Simmons who is the mother of Board member and fellow runner Lesley Larson
There seemed to be a theme on the number five this week (not sure if you noticed it) but we also made its presence known in a fifth country! We are truly international with members in Canada, Australia, Grenada, Mexico, and the United States.
The milestones of the individuals in the group are as bold as for the group itself. And as varied as the individuals. Whether it is to run a 5K, a half marathon, 100K, walk more, do more weight lifting and Cross Fit – each of the runners has milestones ahead. And those we are running for have milestones of healing from surgery, learning to walk, and developing into incredible people despite overwhelming odds against them.
As we all encourage each other and cheer for each milestone, we champion the idea that we are all improving and adding to the value of each other’s’ lives. What an incredible movement we have begun here. And imagine where we will be in another two and a half months!
So which milestones have you created in your life? More importantly, who do YOU run for?
Co-Authored by Carol Dublin. You can check out her blog http://www.caroldublin.com/
