Four years ago today, my step-dad took his final breaths in the living room of my family home, while being held by my mom. As a smoker for more than 40 years, he experienced many breathing problems over the years and - well after he finally kicked those stupid cigarettes to the curb - he eventually developed COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) which took his life. You can imagine why it still takes a great deal of willpower for me to not slap a cigarette out of anyone's mouth that I see. Two years ago, while on a run, I popped into a gas station for a bottle of water and actually convinced a guy to leave without purchasing the cigarettes he had intended to buy. (I may have said something like "Oh, you don't have a wife? Well that's for the best, I would hate for her to have to watch you die from that poison. It's really ugly." I regret nothing.)
My step-dad was a great man. I can thank him for teaching us about the world. For bringing so many animals into our life (he was a Zoologist). And for loving my mom more than I've ever seen anyone love another human. In his memory, I try to channel my rage for the corporations that make those cancer sticks into healthy outlets. I run. A lot. I enjoy workouts that make my lungs burn. Because they are healthy and I am able to make them work. I found a man that respects me like he respected my mom - and I love completely. And I get outside as much as possible: I breathe clean air. I explore the world. This year - I'm combining a couple of these passions and running the 200 mile Hood to Coast relay with a group of very fast women on team #GRRLS. When we decided to do this race for a cause, I was the first to raise my hand and vote to support the American Lung Association. Check out their Mission and Vision to see why: American Lung Association
As runners and, more importantly, as humans... this is a cause that we can ALL get behind. Please click on the link here and share your support for this organization. Today, on the 4th anniversary of my step-father's death, I used my lungs in the best way I could. I did yoga with intention. I ran 4 miles (fast). And I went on a 5 mile snowshoe hike to a beautiful waterfall with my husband. Be grateful, every day, for the air you breathe. And love the people in your life just a little harder.
1 Comment
11/4/2022 10:50:06 pm
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AuthorA Midwest girl gone global. I choose happiness everyday: I run, eat well, travel, and love completely. Archives
March 2022
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