As many of you know, I am training for my first triathlon. Learning how to run is probably the hardest thing I have ever undertaken. As I was starting to run, I would always think about Elyse. I would think about her determination, her perseverance, and her positive outlook on life. Despite everything she had been through physically, she was so strong. She never complained, never let it take over her life, and never let it bring her down. Every time I would think about her, my immediate pain seemed less – and so much less important. She gave me the determination to finish, determination not to give up.
One of the only times Elyse and I ever chatted about her heath she said something to me that I will never forget – you can’t let something like cancer take over your life – because if it does, the cancer wins. Although her body gave out, Elyse never gave up. The cancer never took over her life because she didn’t let it – she lived her life the way she wanted to – full of life, and focused on living.
A few weeks ago I went on a bike ride. I took a wrong turn and ended up on one of the steepest possible roads. Every time I thought I was close to the top, I would turn a corner to see another hill in front of me. As I took the last turn to get to the top, I was drained. I was just about to get off and walk, when a nice cool breeze came up behind me and help push me to the top. I would like to think that Elyse had something to do with it.
I am now just 3 weeks away from the race. She was with me in the beginning, has been with me every time I trained, and she will be with me as I cross the finish line. She will be with me every single stroke I take in the water, every rotation of my pedals, and no doubt, every time my foot hits the pavement. She will be with me – giving me the strength I need to finish and cheering me on.
I am so lucky to have Elyse’s friendship in my life. I miss her dearly, but know she will always be with us everywhere we go. May we all find strength in Elyse’s memory to make us better people and live life to the fullest.
One of the only times Elyse and I ever chatted about her heath she said something to me that I will never forget – you can’t let something like cancer take over your life – because if it does, the cancer wins. Although her body gave out, Elyse never gave up. The cancer never took over her life because she didn’t let it – she lived her life the way she wanted to – full of life, and focused on living.
A few weeks ago I went on a bike ride. I took a wrong turn and ended up on one of the steepest possible roads. Every time I thought I was close to the top, I would turn a corner to see another hill in front of me. As I took the last turn to get to the top, I was drained. I was just about to get off and walk, when a nice cool breeze came up behind me and help push me to the top. I would like to think that Elyse had something to do with it.
I am now just 3 weeks away from the race. She was with me in the beginning, has been with me every time I trained, and she will be with me as I cross the finish line. She will be with me every single stroke I take in the water, every rotation of my pedals, and no doubt, every time my foot hits the pavement. She will be with me – giving me the strength I need to finish and cheering me on.
I am so lucky to have Elyse’s friendship in my life. I miss her dearly, but know she will always be with us everywhere we go. May we all find strength in Elyse’s memory to make us better people and live life to the fullest.
No comments:
Post a Comment