Local 'finishes' Boston Marathon - Reprint of an article from The Independent, from Chewelah Washignton

I am reposting this article, as it is truly inspiring to me.  We fill the news with the tragedy of Boston, but it is also important to remember the good that comes out in the world as well.

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Jared Arnold, owner of The Independent of Chewelah, Washington.

Sharon Heise of Chewelah made an emotional, well-deserved trip across a finish line to complete her dream of "finishing the Boston Marathon."

After years and years of running in numerous marathons and volunteering for The Chataqua Challenge Fun Run, watching hundreds of others cross their finish line, Sharon finally had her dream come true when she qualified to run the Boston Marathon in 2012. Shortly after being notified of this accomplishment, however, her husband and soul mate JB Morrison became very ill and was subsequently diagnosed with leukemia.

Sharon made a decision to give up her dream in order to join JB on his own long and painful marathon. However, even as his health declined, JB and Sharon and their families continued to help so many others, raising money and volunteering for non-profit groups like The Rose Garden Healing Lodge. Sharon also continued to run for recreation and stress relief, with JB bringing her water along the way.

Reflections

This is my 300th post on this blog.

Today I'm not going to be posting about running, and not just because yesterday was a Rest Day.  With it being a mile stone, it seems a good time to stop and look at life in general.  I heard a line on the radio (NPR, in "In Which Way, a War Photographer in his Element") this morning that got my mind working.

"You are rich because you have the power to determine your future, and most of the world doesn't."

We are rich.  We have so many choices in life, that even when most of us think life is hard, that we are at a "low" point - we are so much richer than most people in the world.  We have choices and opportunities that most people in the world can't imagine.  We raise our families and can put our kids in programs that our grandparents couldn't have envisioned if they tried.  It isn't just these things that make us rich either.  There are so many things beyond money.

Me?  When I look at the world in general, I have to admit - I am wealthy beyond all imagining.

[caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="490"] My amazing family - last weekend in front of the white house.[/caption]

The Boston Marathon Tragedy...

[caption id="attachment_2538" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Picture taken the morning of the Boston Marathon 2/15/2013 by Alexander Abbey of Star Archer Productions[/caption]

Alexander Abbey took this picture in Boston on the mornin of 4/15/2013, the day of the __ Running of the Boston Marathon, without knowing what the day had to hold.

My heart goes out to the victims. To those that died, to those that were injured, and even to  those who's dream of crossing the finish line at the Boston Marathon for the first time was denied to them today.

I thought of all of these people. Those that Ran. Those that witnessed this tragedy.  Those that were injured. Those that died. Those that will have to wait and hope for another chance to complete a dream, while being thankful they were not injured.  Last night I thought of these people, and will do so with every run this week.  I will remember how luck we are to have the opportunities to continue to go out and put one foot in front of the other.

As a runner who is planning to finish their first marathon this year, the picture that Alexander took, speaks to me.  It reminds me to not let fear rule me.  To not allow a coward and his act of  terrorism to keep me from my dreams and that which I love.

No matter what, I will keep calm and marath on."