Another battle lost
It is hard to explain why I was driven to attend the funeral of a young woman whom I had never met. I don’t understand it myself. I just knew that I must go — so I did.
I felt a little guilty for being there: a funeral crasher. I wondered what I would say if someone asked me how I knew her. Even as I sat in the church, tears rolling down my face, I had no idea what the reason was for the strong connection that I had with her. I felt like I had known her all of my life. But as the stories were told and the pictures shown, it was confirmed that I never even met her. I can only tell you that her spirit spoke to me. Simply put, I just had to be there at her funeral.
She was only 27 years old when she died. She was a teacher, a runner, and a teammate. Like Tom, her cancer was widespread by the time it was discovered. She fought hard, but lost the battle. I am saddened that I never got to know this remarkable woman. And I am truly sorry for those who did know her in this world.
Life is a journey and, for me, running is a huge part of it. Just like a great run, it has easy and tough parts. It is beautiful at times and ugly at others. Hopefully, I will reach the finish feeling good about what I have accomplished and leave a long trail of bread crumbs to show, those that wish to know, where I have been.
Sounds like you belonged there to me. Why ask why? They say it is better to have loved and lost, than never loved at all. I say the same about life.
11 Oct 08 at 11:17 pm #I have attended funerals of people I hardly knew but just had to be there. I always learn something about myself and life from each one. Glad to know where you moved :-)
12 Oct 08 at 12:00 am #Thanks for the invite. Glad to be keeping up with your life once again.
13 Oct 08 at 2:38 am #