Monday, October 11, 2010

The Best Gift

Before I tell you about how the race went, or how I had the time of my life, or how I feel sort of like a different person now, I want to tell you about the gift my husband Andy gave me the night of the race.

I wanted to write about this right after we got home but it's been hard, nearly impossible, to find the words to do this justice. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that nothing is impossible, and that I'm capable of a lot more than I might believe. So please bear with me as I try.

Andy, with the help of all of my dearest friends and family, pulled off a giant surprise. Somewhere in the middle of mile 2, I heard Andy's voice come through my headphones. He explained that he had rallied everyone I know to record messages for me to hear throughout the race. He had snuck into my playlist and sprinkled these snippets of love after every couple of songs.

As I ran, I heard messages from dozens of people I love and who have supported me throughout my journey. Some were complete surprises, others were the comforting voices of people I talk to every day. Everyone said something a little bit different, but the message was the same: they believed in me and knew I could finish. Andy's voice popped back in several more times to keep me going too.

My body carried me to the finish line, but having that kind of support made it infinitely more meaningful and helped me keep my chin up and a smile on my face even when I thought I might fail. I keep tearing up now as I try to write how much it means to me that Andy gave me this gift. I think that's all I'm going to say, because I've written and rewritten a few more sentences about a dozen times and nothing feels big enough.

I'm just really, really thankful and filled with love.

12 comments:

  1. How incredibly sweet! :) What an amazing husband you have.

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  2. This is amazing! My man and I ran a half marathon in Munich last Sunday. He stayed with me for my first (trail) half in May and I let him go at his own pace this time. This meant that he finished way before me, but as I entered the Olympic Stadium in Munich, where the finish was, he was waiting for me and yelling "run, my little running girl, run!", which made me and all the people around us smile. He was so proud of me and I sprinted the last meters. Men, that support us, are the greatest gift ever. Congratulations, Amy! I, too, was one of the people who knew you could do it! And indeed, life after your first half marathon is definitely different. In a very good way. :)

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  3. What an amazing gift, Amy! You must have been teary eyed throughout the entire race. You are a lucky girl to have such a supportive husband! Thanks so much for sharing this story.

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  4. Wow. I'm almost tearing up as I read this. What an amazing way to show he cares.

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  5. That is the sweetest thing I've ever heard.
    Going to pass this post along to my husband ; )
    WTG Amy!

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  6. This is the sweetest thing I've ever heard. If it were me, I would've had a hard time finishing the race -- I'm such an emotional girl! I'm happy that those messages of encouragement powered you to the finish line. Congrats!

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  7. I can't tell you how unbelievably difficult it was for me to keep that from you, especially if I talked to you and you were feeling bummed! A couple times when you and I talked, I was inspired to call the "AmyLine" immediately after. :-) I was so moved by Andy's creativity and love. Amazing, both of you. <3

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  8. Wow, that's amazing. I'm so proud of you and loved reading about your loving and thoughtful hubby. You two are the perfect match!

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  9. Amy, this is so amazing - what an incredibly thoughtful (in the true sense of the word) and special gift!

    Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment!

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  10. That is so sweet, you have one fantastic husband. Congrats again on finishing your first half- but recap pleeeaaseeee! I want to hear all about it!

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  11. What a beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring idea! Congratulations on finishing, and kudos to your husband for coming up with one of the most creative and meaningful gifts!

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