My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Grateful. Blind. Athlete.

Yesterday, as we reached mile 12 on our 1/2 marathon, I told Shannon , the tears are coming.  I am so very grateful for her and this journey.  It has been amazing.  We have become an incredible team.  She has sewn a beautiful tether that I hang on to and trust.  It has been easy. She naturally tells me what I need to know to avoid obstacles.  We've laughed.  We've talked.  We've shared.  I have loved almost every minute.  (We have run in some really cold weather getting ready for this day.) 

I've been reflecting on how to put words to how I feel.  Grateful just keeps coming to the top. Grateful for a friend that would be willing to take on this extra challenge to run with me every step of the way.  Grateful for this journey we have been on - excited for what is next.  Grateful for a healthy body that although it is a little sore today - ran all the way.  Grateful that Steve, Julieanne, Rachel could also run the journey.  Grateful for our cheering section of family and friends.  Grateful for all those runners that ran by and cheered us on.   Grateful for a new super cute 'blind athlete' vest, thanks to Shannon,  to wear on our next journey.  I am now owning and loving the label.  Really.  Blind.  Athlete.  They both come with falling and getting back up.  Crossing the finish line and hugging makes it all worth it! 

Sadly, I left my card in the computer so no pictures, yet.  I will be so grateful when I get copies of the pictures to post!

13 comments:

Retired Duo said...

Go, Becky, go!

Kathy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathy said...

Congratulations to you! I saw you picture in the paper as a finalist for the Wasatch Woman award. Good luck on that! I almost feel like a friend (I do follow your blog, isn't that the same thing!?) and tell everyone I know you! Haha!!
You are amazing - my hero, actually!
Thanks for your example in so may things!

Kathy said...

I'm sorry, blogspot duplicated my post so I deleted one. I actually tell people I know OF you and tell them about your wonderful blog!

Maryissewfast said...

Congratulations Becky! I knew you could do it!!! !

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Congrats; that's a whole lot more than I can (or want to) run!
I'm staying with the 5ks right now...

Rudy's Raiser

Maxmom said...

In all the hardships come the blessing of knowledge. You have an angel at the end of your tether! Congratulations. Lovely post Becky! Our inspirational Becky!
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Infrequent Flyers said...

You are such an inspiration, Becky! 12 miles--that's a huge feat. Makes me want to get my rear in gear and do some running, too!

Karen said...

You looked so fresh when you ran across the finish line. Smiling and waving with a smile of victory. We are so proud of you and all you accomplish each day of your life. You are my hero!!

3 labs 4 me said...

Well, you brought me to tears with you comments about the half marathon. I am so proud of you. You continue to amaze me in so many ways. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you as you crossed the finish line. My heart was with you all day.

Brittany said...

Congratulations! You are such an amazing woman! It is good to hear that the half marathon was such a good experience for you.

DG said...

That was amazing! I am teary. Congrats!

bein good to me said...

YES! I am so so so happy for you!! What a HUGE accomplishment!
-Lisa