A good friend, mentor and accomplished runner, Steve Byrnes decided for his 40th birthday he'd run 40 miles. It's crazy by most everyone's standards, except Steve. You have to know Steve to understand "why" but what made this so different than any other "run" or "race" was his all inclusive approach with the help of his lovely wife Pamela and good friend Scott Labat. Steve made this event not just about himself and achieving a great milestone, but about his friends and family as well, who all joined in during the run and/or after for the big celebration. Celebrating life through expression of Steve's passion, running, and sharing that experience with everyone will be something I'll always remember and cherish for years to come, at least for the next 10 years, until Steve decides to run 50 miles on his 50th birthday. Congratulations Steve!
Shortly after returning home from Minnesota, we learned that Mimi, Catherine's mother (our grandmother) had passed on. We flew out from San Diego after packing up our place to join family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Mimi was special to each of us for our own reasons. She was a graceful woman with the ability to make anyone feel at ease and welcome in her presence. You simply couldn't stop yourself from smiling just being around her. She is a reminder to me of the person I always want to be: compassionate, kind, joyful and loving to all. Mimi, we'll miss you dearly, but know you will continue to touch our lives. I will keep my promise to you.Needless to say it's been an emotional roller coaster these last couple of weeks; but isn't that life anyway? I am grateful for my wife, family and friends. I am hopeful with the rise of the sun each day and thankful for the day on which the sun sets. Life.
It's been easy to forget about the last three months and all that has consumed us, a blessing. The wound is almost completely healed and I am living a relatively normal life. I started running two weeks ago, slowly working my way back. This will be a long and involved process, but I have a plan, and I am determined and focused to make the starting line of Leadville on August 21st. I have gained immeasurable inspiration from these last weeks thanks to Steve and Mimi.
"Life is not in having and getting, but in being and becoming." - Matthew Arnold
