Last fall was a very difficult time for my family. We lost my cousin in August. We lost my paternal grandfather on September 11th and then we lost my maternal grandfather on October 16th. To say I was lost and overwhelmed during those months and the months after would be an understatement. This fall has also hit me a great deal harder than I was expecting. So, I put on my running shoes.
I was never a runner before. I did not "seriously" start running (I say that loosely; I still don't consider myself a "serious" runner) until after my grandfathers passed away. It was a way for me to deal with the stress, sadness, and loneliness and running outside made me feel closer to them. I had registered for the Disney Princess Half Marathon with my friend in July. The race was in Florida in February. It was the first half that I ever ran and it was one of the most difficult and amazing experiences of my life. The first person I would have called after crossing that finish line would have been Pap, my maternal grandfather. He would have asked me if I won the race and then questioned why I didn't run faster.
You see, Pap was a lifelong runner. He ran dozens upon dozens of races anywhere from the Bud Murphy 5K to the Marine Corp Marathon in DC. My brother is also a runner. They ran together often, just for fun and for races. To this day, I'm not sure what motivated him more, actually running the races or the beers and fellowship that followed. While we were still in high school, on any given day of track season, Pap would be up at the school, yelling at my brother to "Push it! He's catching you!"
Pap was 79 when he passed away last October. So, in honor and memory of him, on October 16th, I will be running 7.9 miles. I'm asking you to join me. You don't have to run. You don't have to go 7.9 miles. Get outside. Go alone. Go with a friend. Go with your family. Run. Skip. Hike. Jump. Bike. Cartwheel. Walk little. Run a lot. Enjoy the time by yourself or with someone you love. If I have taken anything away from my experience last fall, it is this: Never take anything for granted.
Tell people you love them.
Call them.
Spend time with them.
I would love to see how many people join in this "run". Use the hashtags on Monday:
#thisonesforyoupap #meetyaatthefinishlinepap
Join me.
In honor and memory of
Carl R. Pritts Jr.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
~2 Timothy 4:7~