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Billie
07-21-2006, 06:53 AM
Live Your Dreams

Quote and thought from Foundations for a better life

My dad has always been a runner. Every morning at 4 A.M., he would quietly leave the house for his morning jog. It was his time to think, plan for the day, and figure out how he could save the world… all before breakfast.

I always admired my dad and wanted to be like him, but there was no way I could run as far as he did. Each morning as we would run together, he encouraged me and would take my mind off the distance by teaching me about setting goals and living my dreams.

We ran a lot of small races together over the years. Each time without fail, my dad would finish well ahead of me, yet he would always return to the last mile marker so we could cross the finish line together.

It was finally time to run our first half marathon. I had always dreamt of running a big race, but even with my dad’s confidence in me, I was nervous and unsure. When I received the news that he had to travel out of town on the race day, I was devastated. I had never run that far by myself and felt very discouraged. My dad reminded me, “Living your dreams can only begin by placing one foot in front of the other. You can do this. I believe in you.” It just wasn’t the same.

When I hit mile 11, I was ready to quit. I had barely enough energy to make it one more mile. I knew, unless something changed, that I would have to walk the rest of the way. It was just too hard. As I approached mile 12, I was struggling. In the distance, I thought I saw a familiar face. I rubbed my eyes and hoped I wasn’t hallucinating, but it looked like my dad! It was! He had changed his plans to drive 4 hours so he could meet me at the last mile… just like always.

I could barely hold back the tears as we crossed that finish line together. I learned how to live my dreams because, through his example, my dad showed me how.

We have so many people waiting for us a the finish line, our strongest supporters are there cheering us on, loving us healthy. We are running a race the support is there and it is here in each of us.

See you at the "thinnish line".

Have a day living your dreams!

SherryJ
07-21-2006, 09:18 AM
through his example, my dad showed me how.

And, here's to YOU, Billie, for continuing the family "tradition" with your own sons! (Not running, but LIFE...)

Sherry

hawk
07-21-2006, 09:32 AM
Another cool story Billy, thanks.
My dream is to become a great artist and have a blast doing it.I am drawing every day. Living my dream. Someday it may even pay enough so I would not have to starve.:D
My other dream, the one about being thin.. well that will happen if I eat lo-carb every day and work out.:mad: :nod:
The girl in your story had to get up and run every day.
Living the dream means participating in the drive...mentally and physically ..to get the end result.

cmcole
07-21-2006, 10:37 AM
My dad is ever with me in my heart.
I wonder how many dreams he gave up?
I wonder how many of them involved me?

I regret not spending more time learning what he knew, so I could in turn pass it on to the next generation. My son remembers him, and does so fondly. I think that is wonderful.

The other morning on the way to work there was a song on the radio that reminded me of him - not the words but the rhythm. I remember him trying to teach me to dance - perhaps a type of waltz - and me stepping on his feet around the corners/turns. I just didn't pick up on the rhythm. Wish he was here so I could try again. I might pick it up this time.

I must pick up on the rhythm of life, intead, and live each day like it's the last, filling it with good things and actions.

bigdawg_SLC
07-21-2006, 11:27 AM
Billie -- Great Inspiration! I can't tell you how awesome this is! It's because of support groups (I really believe thats what this has become) like this that people succeed!

Great JOB! :)

Billie
07-21-2006, 12:24 PM
And big dawg--any home is only as vital and strong as it's family, we have great family here! :)

bigdawg_SLC
07-21-2006, 12:58 PM
This has always been a great family -- I just chose not to participate -- and I'm sad about that! But it is GREAT to be back :)

SherryJ
07-21-2006, 02:54 PM
And, we're glad you chose to come back, Dean!

Sherry