Welcome to Georgia's Journey

Georgia Lily Lucas was born at home on October 6th, 2008 4:15am, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) on April 1, 2009.

On April 3rd Georgia was taken home, to be near her sisters and the rest of her family and friends. Nearly three weeks later, on April 21, 2009, she died peacefully -- in the loving arms of her mother and in the same room in which she was born.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Because I Can

After Georgia died my life seemed to be a nightmare and like any normal human being I felt the urge to run away. Running away of course, really wasn't an option. While I wanted to run from the pain, anger and hurt, I didn't want to run away from my family. So, I did the next best thing. I jumped onto a treadmill and somewhere along the way I started to feel better.

I have never been to see a therapist, nor have I ever taken antidepressents. I am one of the lucky few that found a different drug of choice - running. Running has never been easy for me. Those of you that have followed my story the last couple of years know how true this is. I have only ever really run a couple miles at a time. Often it's just enough time to clear my head and fill me with positive energy for the next couple of days. Being pregnant for a fourth time, breast feeding and getting up several times a night left me with little more energy.

In my cyber world, I have met people who have done all kinds of amazing things. Bill Strong is about to run his first marathon, just having completed his first half marathon. This on top of working full time and caring for a three year old with SMA. Then there's Stephen Taylor. He just ran 100 miles AGAIN! There's also Magda. Magda came up with the slogan - "We run for those who can't" The slogan that Stephen Taylor, Magda and one hundred others wore back in March as they ran the New Bedford half marathon. They are already planning to do it again next year.

Magda has also launched a challenge to to make this the best July ever by coming up with three big goals - a fitness, a nutrition and a spiritual goal. There is a group of us online that have all signed up and people regularly post about what they're up to. Now my fitness goal had nothing to do with running (it was core strength) but last week as I read an article I came up with another one. The article was posted by somebody else in the group and the message that stuck with me was that most of us will spend more energy thinking about the things that we'd like to be able to do instead of actually making them happen. Hmmmm...

So, I signed up to run a 10k in August. I know, I know it's not a marathon or even a half marathon but it's going to leave me empowered!! I have asked and received permission to wear the slogan, "We run for those who can't" and am going to have a few t'shirts made up with GJH's logo. I am hoping that a few others will want to join me or want a t shirt even if they are just running for fun. But, I have learned something else this month.

For the first time in over two years I am O.K. I am no longer afraid to stand on my own two feet. Even if I am the only person who ever wears one of those shirts and gets out there to run I will be just fine. I will always be in good company as I know that my reasons for running are good. I run not just in memory of Georgia but in memory of so many others. I also run for those little people still fighting.

Two years ago I wanted to run away from a nightmare but I now realize that you can never run away from a nightmare. The only way to ever feel better is to wake up. I am finally doing just that. I have set a goal and I will run simply because I can.

If you'd like to join me please let me know. You won't believe how good it feels to run for others. : )

Love to you all,

Kristen

5 comments:

  1. As always your words are so touching, heartfelt and inspiring!! I am so proud of you and know you will do wonderful on your run and make so many, including your sweet Georgia, so proud! I love the slogan, it is so true, and the knowledge of those who can't run will hopefully you push you through the walls you hit in the 10k. You are awesome, amazing and really, there are just no words! Sorry we missed chatting but I am home this aft and will give you a shout. Miss you guys, give those girls lots of love and hugs from us!! Love ya, Em

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kristen, your words are always so empowering I can't run that 10k with you but I can wear a t-shirt!
    Lots of love and hugs
    The Laarvelds!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I lost My Jada born Oct 13, 2008, a beautiful healthy girl and then my life was shattered by a diagnosis of sma June 19th, passing away July 22, 2009. I am more lost today than 1 yr ago. I admire your strength.

    ReplyDelete
  4. When Shira was a year old I ran the Victoria Half Marathon with her. It was crazy but running has always been a part of our lives and Shira loves the motion of running. Running is meditative, strenuous, and puts you in the zone and clears your mind. Good for you for taking it up it is a wonderful feeling to run and every time you go out it is a new adventure. Prayers and healing thoughts. "Run Kristen Run"

    ReplyDelete

Comments will be reviewed before being published.