Since Sherry’s death, a couple of new themes have emerged frequently on this blog:
- Safety for women, particularly while running
- Living life fully and never taking one moment for granted
I wrote an article this week for the Athleta Chi blog about these subjects. It was published yesterday and you can read it HERE. This article was similar to a post I wrote a couple of months ago after Sarah Hart was murdered while running. I have to say that writing about Sherry again brings so much to the surface and even now my eyes fill with tears that escape and run down my cheeks.
Some of you have asked how Sherry’s family is doing. I know it has been rough going, but they are trying to take care of each other and get the help that they need. A hearing in the case was to have happened in July, but was moved to January 2013. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
As for Sarah Hart, her community has rallied and organized “Run with Your Hart,” a run that will take place in Sarah’s honor on August 11, 2012. A scholarship fund has also been set up. See details HERE.
Today I re-read a story that my eleven year old daughter, Emma, wrote after Sherry was killed. I find it fascinating to learn how children perceive traumatic events that go on. It really is a different, enlightening and sometimes disturbing perspective. She talks about the day we learned that Sherry was not coming home.
“Then the worst day came. Never will I forget it. I was cheery as usual, when my dad picked me up from school on Friday. But, when I got home, that cheeriness faded. I walked through the door, and in the other room I saw my mom on the couch crying. I came and sat down next to her and asked why she was sad. She said, “Sherry is dead.” No one knows why those men would have done that to such a strong and caring woman who had a family and friends who loved her, and relied on her to put a smile on their faces in even the saddest of times.
But, I know when I see the sun shining, I see her beautiful smile and when I see thousands of millions of stars in the night, I think of her gleaming brown eyes.
Just remember, when you say goodbye to someone or even just a simple goodnight, treasure that wonderful time and never forget it, because life's a mystery, and you never, EVER know what’s going to come next.”
I share her writing with you because the lesson in the last line is invaluable and one we need to be reminded of every.single.day. I know for a fact I didn’t understand that lesson at her age. Sometimes I still don’t apply it like I should.
I sometimes have to catch myself with how caught up I get caught up in the insignificant details and worries: Did I get in enough miles this week? What’s for dinner? The credit card bill is how much? But, when something really big happens, it jolts you out of that world. Suddenly, all the little stuff falls away and the really important stuff moves into front and center, where it should be.
One of our greatest challenges in life is learning how to keep things in perspective. To not sweat the small stuff, and to keep an eye and focus on the things that truly matter. I ask myself all the time: If this was my last day, am I living, acting and doing as I should? I think the single best way to not take people and life for granted is to find gratitude in every single moment, no matter how challenging.
Do you get caught up in small stuff, or are you usually able to be relaxed and find perspective?
What’s your best tip for staying present and focusing on what is really important?
SUAR
PS: The winner of the Champion sports bra is Lindsey from Run Because You Love It. In response to what advice she would give a newborn, she said, “Lots of people will try and tell you what you "*should* do. Try and learn at a young age to be in touch with your deepest desires. Cultivate that skill, follow your heart and ignore the *shoud-ers*.”
Great, sound advice for living a full and passionate life. Email me at [email protected] to claim your prize!
