I have been trying since we got home yesterday to get this journal entry written - I could write forever about the 13.1 mile journey that we took yesterday – I think that’s why I am having such a hard time – there are emotions coming from every ounce of my being. Yesterday was a gift from God.
I need to start off by saying there is NO WAY possible I could have done this without the help, love, support and strength of some of Mac’s Team members – thank you Leslie, Janet, Kara, Pat and Eric – form the bottom of my heart – thank you for helping me make this day as incredible as I hoped it would be. Mac and I would still be in Frederick probably around mile 10 at this point if it weren’t for you guys. And thank you, Brian, for your support as I tackled another crazy idea of mine – you have no idea how much your support helped me along the path to the finish with our amazing son.
The morning could not have been more ideal weather wise – a bit cool, just waiting for the sun to warm us up as we ran – blue skies, low humidity – just perfect - a MAC day. I started off pushing Mac - my big plan was of course to push him myself the whole time – never ‘letting go’ of my son – which runs so many more levels deep than pushing stroll in a race. Quickly after 3 miles the reality of how ill-equipped I was for this run physically set in - and when Kara offered to push for a while I handed stroll over a bit reluctantly because I am so stubborn…but Kara pushed Mac with such pride I was glad I decided to let go for a minute, then minutes turned into miles as Leslie, Pat, Eric, Janet all pushed Mac with that same pride of knowing a soul so amazing. I cursed myself in my mind for being so unprepared physically, and praised God at the same time for blessing us with friends willing to hang with me and Mac and ‘get our back’ on this journey. We all took turns throughout the race and as hard as it is for me to ‘let go’ of Mac, this was a situation where I had no choice and was so thankful to have the friends in place to help me that I did.
Mac – you are amazing – you radiate life and love and we could all feel it as we pushed you through Frederick, MD – you are the true champion of this race even though some dude finished the WHOLE marathon right before us! (-: I promise now that I have you as a new running buddy I will actually train for the next run we do together! Yesterday there was no time to beat, no personal bests being set, we were all there to be with Mac and watch his eyes light up with every new twist and turn and bump.
Mac was so content the entire time we ran – he had one spasm as we were pulling out to start and it lasted for a second then for the next 13 miles he was smiling, hanging out, and loving being strolled. The constant movement he loves. I cannot tell you what a relief this was as I truly did not know what to expect when we got on our way. We had smiles all morning long and BIG smiles when we stopped to say hi to the moo moos (cows) that were right up against the fence on the side of a nice country road. I swear those cows were sent to me from my mom from heaven because Mac saying hi to the cows perfectly coincided with my need to stop for a second – I think they were around Mile 11.
The whole day was just magical – we had to wake the boys up at 4:45 am to get on the road - as I dressed Mac he was giggling – literally as if he was saying ‘Finally, mom, it’s race day’. Brian I think must have sprinkled ‘happy dust’ on Colin because I never heard a peep from him and he was dressed and in the car – AMAZING. (I am thinking about waking them both up at 4:45 am every day if it means they are that happy in the morning).
We had an awesome cheering section in Ryan, Collin, Finn, Jen, Jordan, Katie and James – thank you so much. Brian took video of the finish and if we can figure out how to get it to the computer we will be sure to share. I can’t believe I did not get a picture of all of us and Mac with his medal – we did get a couple from the day and I will post those soon. What’s hilarious on the video is that the 1st and 2nd place marathon winners entered the track to the finish line just before us so it appears on video that there are a TON of loud cheers for Mac! It’s awesome and I do believe they are cheering for Mac, too.
Thank you everyone for your prayers that this day went well – they were answered.
Love, Aim
PS – There’s an amazing father son story out there about a man who pushes his son in marathons and triathlons – his son can’t walk or talk. Here’s a link to their story – it’s incredible.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
