Over 45,000 people ran this year. Forty-one years ago 127 people ran for an admission fee of $1.00.
My brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their children arrived Friday night. Mark and Dee would be running on Sunday.
My table was full for the first time in many weeks.
So were my evenings, after dinner, when we gathered to just talk and be a family.
This is Shane. What a difference a year makes! Happy, healthy and cancer free!
It was a difficult race for Mark and Dee. The conditions were cold and windy. Emotions ran high as they raced with Fred's Team, raising money for Pediatric Cancer Research. They also ran for the memory of Jim, TBHITW and marathon lover.
When they arrived back "home" from NY we popped a bottle of champagne and laughed and talked about the race. Then everyone ate one last dinner together before the runners headed off to sleep - exhausted, but happy for making the journey of 26.2 miles. It was a full day.
This morning they all packed up and headed home to Michigan.
As I was tidying up the guest room I found this Marathon shirt and note on the bed:
The note reads,
"Linda,
Thank you so much for letting us feel like we never left our home! You and the kids are always in our prayers and thoughts.
It goes without saying that a day doesn't go by that we don't think of Jimmy. We just want you to know we are always here for you and the kids.
Please take this shirt as a small 'thank you'. Jimmy's marathon shirt went to heaven with him, but I like to think another one came back to your home. It can never replace his shirt, but I hope it reminds you to keep moving forward, just like a marathon."
I read this note clutching the shirt to me and then with a full heart, I cried.
You have a wonderful family, its good to hear Shane is cancer free i could only imagine the anguish his parents have felt dealing with this, and the note and shirt was lovely, and i couldnt help noticing the quilt- did you make it? It looks fab!
ReplyDeleteAnd I cried too reading this. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery touching gift, and also nice to see a few smiles.
ReplyDeleteDo you see how much love you have cultivated in your life? It is truly beautiful and you deserve every bit of it.
ReplyDeleteYes you do deserve the love that is coming your way. We can all tell how special you really are and feel blessed to have you share with us.
ReplyDeleteOdie
Looks like a wonderful family time together. It's no wonder they were tired, 26.2 miles! And the t-shirt and note were such a lovely gesture. So happy that Shane is doing so well! Blessings, Marguerite
ReplyDeleteHow touching. I couldn't help but cry as I read this letter they left behind. What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteVery loving gesture and a wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteMrs. A: I did not make that quilt, but I do guilt. I bought that one several years ago from a lovely Amish women in Kutztown, Pennsylvania - I can only hope to be able to make such a beautiful piece of art.
ReplyDeleteAll - It is easy for me to love, because in my life I have been loved. TBHITW showed me how, by example, every day. I am truly blessed with family and friends who also know how to love. This journey is teaching me to walk softly, listen intently, and love gently. Everyone has had sadness in their lives, we just can't see it on the surface, so our job as human beings is to be gentle with each other.
What a wonderful family you have. I love that note.
ReplyDeleteFull houses are a lot of work, but they are also a ton of fun. Glad you enjoyed yours.
ReplyDeleteGreat family! Now TBHITW has his shirt - hopefully draped over his best friend and beautiful wife.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful note, and present. I think of you often.
ReplyDeleteA full house in so many ways. Blessings come to those who have blessed.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm crying with you!!! How beautiful family is!!! And hooray for Shane!! I have been wondering how you are getting on, and so decided to stop by today even though I'm not blogging right now...just wanted you to know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers!! Sending you love, Linda!! ~Janine XO
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were surrounded by family and that Shane is doing well. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Has anyone suggested to you making a quilt/blanket out of his running shirts?
So kind...so loving. You are blessed.
ReplyDeleteOk....crying again. You are so loved, Linda. So deeply and completely loved. Another thing Jim made sure to leave you with?
ReplyDelete