To Romey

Romey:

Today I ran a marathon for you. While this may not be something you blog about, it's important enough, from my standpoint, to let you in my head a little bit. I know you can't read this right now, or understand it if I told you, but you'll get a chance to read it someday.

When I started running four years ago, I had no idea I would be running marathons. In fact, I walked over a mile of the 3.1 in my first 5k. I never thought I would be a runner. After miles and miles logged and several pairs of running shoes purchased, I would consider myself a runner. I ran my first half-marathon in May of 2010. That one was for me. I completed something that was well worth the time and effort. Plus, I had a medal to hang around my head to say I accomplished it!! I ran my second half-marathon the following September in honor of your mother. She has been the rock for our family, but she's also the rock that keeps me running. I run and she doesn't stop pushing me to dig deeper and push harder. This past May, I ran my first full marathon and that one was also for me. I needed to say I could do it. Today, however, I ran it for you.

Let me explain the importance of today. 30 days ago, I sprained my ankle in a pick-up game of soccer. 30 days ago, I couldn't put any weight on my ankle and I was convinced I wasn't running today's marathon. Even when I could start walking, the pain was incredibly significant and resulted in me wearing a brace on a daily basis. I really thought I was done. Spraining your ankle one time is bad enough, but this was the third time I've sprained this ankle. I really wanted to run and planning to make it happen, knowing in the back of my mind that it may not happen this time around. You know what, your mother pushed me. She pushed me through my physical therapy and pushed me to "suck it up" even when it hurt really badly. I'm so thankful she did.

While I was running today, I thought of you. Here's why. There are going to be times in your life where you are going to face obstacles. These obstacles will leave you with two choices. You can allow the obstacle to stand in your way and keep you from your goal, or you can turn that obstacle into an opportunity to let God give you the strength, wisdom, direction and skill set to accomplish your goal. This choice remains completely up to you. These opportunities will help mold and shape you into the man that God wants from you. I ran today, in pain almost the entire 26.2 miles, but I knew I was given an opportunity to run and I couldn't let my ankle serve as an obstacle. It was important for me to persevere through my limitations and reach the finish line. I want you to learn the value of perseverence in every aspect of the word. I learned so many valuable lessons today (future blog) and I can't wait to share them with you.

I don't want to spend a whole lot of time on each of the lessons, but I wanted you to know that I ran for you. There are going to be so many things that I do for you in your life, but today was dedicated to you, Romey.

I love you...

Dada