Sunday, February 10, 2013

That's Going to Leave a Mark

Well another week has passed and so much has gone on. Mentally it was a tough week. Hubby had chemo. He was hospitalized all week but able to come home for the weekend. This was great but unfortunatley our One and Only had an AAU tourney in Walla Walla. I am coaching so it meant we would be gone for the weekend and my girls would be taking care of Daddy. It was hard to go but I know my son needed some attention and time just focused on him. I seem to be a mess and crazy lady most of the time at home so time away was good. We had a great weekend together and the girls did a great job.

With my hubby gone last week and a major essay due for school I did not have much time left for much running. I was suppose to run 13 miles for my long run this week but I knew this was not going to happen. I was a bit bummed and doubting myself. However Walla Walla brought an unexpected gift.

Michelle from Carpenter's Corner a long time bloggy friend was going to stop by the gym so we could meet. She has been a constant source of encouragement with our life circumstances. It is so funny meeting other bloggers. She was sweet as pie just as I thought she would be. She was also so tiny...I felt like a giant. We chatted for a few minutes. We engaged in some quick runners chat. She was full of great tips and encouragement. She was so confident and supportive. She is an extremely strong runner, physically and mentally. She is a Boston Marathoner, who unfortunately knows what it is like to deal with injury and having to fight for each mile.
I expected to hit it off and for Michelle to be super sweet BUT what I didn't expect was this....

She gave me a card that I opened later that night. You will not believe what she gave me. OK are you ready for this...
She gave me the sweetest, tiniest ring I have ever seen.
The ring says...
I am not afraid. (outside of ring)
I was born to do this. (inside of ring)

She wore this ring when she ran the Boston Marathon. That's right Boston! This ring has been on the roads of Boston! (insert running nerd squeal) I can't really put into words how deeply this gesture touched my heart. So selfless. This ring carries a big part of her story and she is sharing it with me.

This simple act of kindness has given me a new burst of HOPE. I must remind myseld hourly that I AM NOT AFRAID. I have God on my side and He has provided me with so many people who continually pick me up. Thank you Michelle. You have left a mark on my heart and I am grateful.

Eugene I am coming for you. It may be slow. It may be ugly but I am coming....full speed ahead.

Food for thought: Who has impacted your life? How are you impacting others? How are you selfless in your actions?



19 comments:

Kerrie said...

Love.

Adawk said...

Every time I read your post I tear up. I know it is not the same, but my Dad is in the fight of his life against Cancer. The Dr's where we live have said they can do nothing else they can do and this week (Thursday) we are going to Moffit in Tampa...also Sunday my sister and I run our first marathon. It has been a great distraction over the last 2 years. I pray for your husband and family, God Bless!

Tasha Malcolm said...

That is one of the sweetest things I have seen. You and your family are so loved. I think that ring will bring you some serious good luck too!

Canuck Mom said...

I think that is the most amazing gift ever. What an incredibly amazing women. I love it!! Keep being strong Harmony. You have many out there who love you and are rooting, including in virtual running land here.:)

misszippy said...

That is an awesome gesture! Love it. You are doing such an amazing job balancing so much. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Run with Jess said...

what a neat gift and special ring!

Unknown said...

oh my goodness I had goosebumps when I read the words inscribed on the ring...powerful! SO glad you were able to meet Michelle and get a little love; you deserve it!

megan.vining said...

That is so great! I think I sqealed with you! Believe!

Kris said...

Wow!! How cool is that!! What an awesome gift!!

Lisa said...

New follower here!

Powerful, very powerful.

Michelle said...

Speechless.....a priceless few moments in time that will last forever!

Caroline said...

I love this. What a nice person she is. I follow her blog also. I am so happy for you that you got to meet.

H Love said...

Stay strong. Prayers.

H Love said...

I am still speechless. Hugs!

Devon @ CrossTraining said...

If I'm being honest, Harmony, YOU have had an impact on my life. Your faith and dependence on God have really opened my eyes lately. You and your family are on my heart to be praying, sometimes even in the middle of the night.

I tend to get overwhelmed by just regular life, very easily, and sometimes when I'm frustrated or stressed (over the silliest things) God prompts me to pray for YOU. I remember your faith, His strength in you, and His faithfulness to give us enough... and I'm completely encouraged.

I actually was going to message all this to you on Facebook today but then realized that I hadn't read this blog post yet and wanted to leave you a comment... the size of a novel, apparently :)

Keep on keepin' on girl, I will be in Eugene cheering people on and I WILL FIND YOU and cheer for you :)

giraffy said...

That ring is beautiful. So thoughtful.

You're doing a great job balancing things - it's so easy to get caught up and overwhelmed, but your attitude is going to be your best asset <3

Jason & Larissa said...

This made me cry. What an amazing gift she gave you. And only a runner would understand how awesome that is. You CAN and WILL do this! You were born for it!!!!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

How thoughtful! You are simply amazing Harm. You're balancing a full plate and constantly thinking of others. You are so strong.

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

How thoughtful! You are simply amazing Harm. You're balancing a full plate and constantly thinking of others. You are so strong.