My Town Monday: A 5K From the Heart
When my brother-in-law died unexpectedly this summer, my husband and his sister lost a brother, my in-laws lost a son, my children lost an uncle, my niece and nephew lost a dad. Others lost a friend and neighbor. Then 33 days later, my niece and nephew lost their mom to cancer.
I am no stranger to the anguish of loss, and to the hard work of grief. These are great equalizers, and experiences no one wants, but everyone will share.
It is one thing to see that there is a need; it is another to actively respond to it and to generate a solution to the problem. One person with an idea plants the seed and nurtures it. And so the Bures-Wershing Memorial 5K Walk-Run was born.
One hundred-fifteen people, from 2-62 years of age, from all walks of life, and assorted locations, shared their common ground. Eighty-six walkers and runners, twenty-three volunteers, and others who couldn’t come, but sent their support. One hundred-fifteen people sharing an experience. One hundred-fifteen people who, with their hearts, reached out.
We all do live in the same town, you know. We breathe the same air, look at the same blue sky and the same full moon. Members, all, of the family of man. When we help each other, we all win. Common ground indeed.
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skatey katie said,
October 12, 2009 @ 2:11 am
(o)
hello beautiful. you are inspiring.
love and sunshine X
Barrie Summy said,
October 12, 2009 @ 2:18 am
How very heart-warming, Debra.
rudeek said,
October 12, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Your family has been through quite a lot this summer. I hope it all settles down, soon.
Ruth
(((o)))
Terrie Farley Moran said,
October 12, 2009 @ 9:31 am
God bless all.
Terrie
Patti Abbott said,
October 12, 2009 @ 10:07 am
I watched my son and daughter in law race last weekend. She did half a marathon along with 6000 others to raise money. Some day it will pay off for all of us.
Linda Wooding Sims said,
October 12, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
How wonderful to see the support for the family and within the family.
Clare2e said,
October 12, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
Lordy, Deb, what a wallop for your family! How good that the community of friends and neighbors gathered around to help, to let you know you don’t grieve alone and to look toward the future. Looks like a nice day to play in the grass!
Kathy Holmes said,
October 12, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
We’re all in this together. Very heart-warming article. My husband lost his brother several years ago and we know how it affects so many. Having supportive people around you really helps.
Hay said,
October 12, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
I thought I’d commented already, must have just thought it, did you hear me?
Anyway, that is so wonderful, I’m jealous of the community you have, it’s awesome.
sandy feet said,
October 12, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
Hey Debra. I’m so sorry you’ve been going through such a difficult time. I’m glad you’ve been getting such genuine support from your neighbors. Wishing you comfort and peace. ~Christa
Reluctant Blogger said,
October 13, 2009 @ 7:01 am
Like Hay, I am envious of the community in which you live.
I am so sorry that your family has had such a terrible time lately.
gerry rosser said,
October 13, 2009 @ 8:56 am
I was here.
Having had untimely loss in our family this year, my heart goes out.
ds said,
October 13, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
(o)
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing this.
Kim Ayres said,
October 15, 2009 @ 4:12 am
(o)
Cat B said,
October 15, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
So sorry for this awful loss, Debra. But what a beautiful way to bring some light into a dark time. Thank you for being such an inspiration! xoxo
OldOldLady Of The Hills said,
October 17, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Two such painful losses, Debra…Sometimes life is so very very hard. But how wonderful that so many people did such a positive wonderful thing. Blessings to you and your sweet family, Debra.