Yesterday was the Big Race . . . I finished in, well, let's just say I finished. Actually, my time was shameful (over 5 hours) but I DID make a few stops along the way. I chatted with my cousin Gera (Gera, that was like half an hour right there, right?) and dropped my jacket off with Liz from work, then just before the finish I spent a few more minutes trying to persuade Libby to run across the finish line with me! Eventually, knowing she would someday be glad, I picked her up and ran off with her. She ended up running with me and with Kit, and it was totally great!
After so many years of being a spectator at the Marathon, I was finally running down that familiar stretch of Boylston Street . . . it was exhilarating and uplifing . . . and I temporarily forgot my exhaustion, and discomfort.
Once I stopped, of course, I felt exhausted, and uncomfortable. I got my Mylar blanket, a bottle of water, a nice young man took the chip off my shoe, since I was unable to bend over to take it off myself, and I got my medal. I wore it the rest of the day and night, because it is probably the only time I'll be able to do it, and not feel like a jerk. Well, perhaps I will wear it every Marathon Day.
Sass had come down from New Hampshire to see me finish, and she and Sarah joined Pierre, Kit, Libby and me at the Copley Westin, where the Liver team was gathering. Then we drove to Bertucci's in West Rox, and were joined by Anne, Lou, Maeve, and Gioia, and Kevin, and his parents, Gerry and Joan. I believe we had a lovely celebration, though I mostly remember having the overwhelming desire to sleep.
Anyway, thank you one and all for supporting me, and more importantly, the American Liver Foundation! I am truly blessed to have such wonderful, and generous friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family. So here's what I did with all those miles dedicated to you guys: during your mile, I thought about you, felt grateful, wished all the best for you . . . ok, guys, I prayed for you! Those who know me well know my prayers are powerful, and never more so than when running (and walking) 26.2 miles! So . . . hopefully, all the good things I hope for you will come to pass.
Today was the travel meeting for our trip to China to pick up Xi Le. So, another marathon effort is nearing completion. Like the Big Race, this one started with a dream and a wish, developed into an intention, and then progressed baby step by baby step towards that goal. I learned I couldn't do it alone, and I've called on many of you for help and counsel along the way. Now the end is in sight. Just as I do now, I'm sure I'll feel relief when the adoption is complete . . . but I know it will be the beginning of a whole new adventure, with its own sets of challenges and rewards.
Good night . . . I wish you many marathon adventures of your own in years to come!
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