The Atlanta Women's 5K

April 14th, I got to run the largest 5K in the Southeast: The Atlanta Women's 5K.

Although I was bummed that none of my regular running chicas could experience this with me, I was excited to be running in this event. I had heard a lot about it, and the race certainly did live up to all the hype.

The atmosphere was electric with female pheromones! Music, set to a perfect tempo to excite runners, greeted me upon arrival, and after checking in and getting my bib, there were vendors to enjoy, tempting me to shop.

Before the race got started, we were given an opportunity to participate in a group stretch, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then, runners were told to move to their race corrals.

Do you see the purple flowers on the race banner in the above pic? These emblems were everywhere. The medals were shaped like this flower, and I couldn't help thinking they looked a lot like purple forget-me-nots.

Now, if you have read my blog in between 2010 and 2016, you know that it used to be titled Forget-me-not, Oh Lord! And you know why those flowers are special to me. Whenever I see them, or anything that reminds me of them, I think about the baby I lost back in August of 2010, our Angel.

Waiting for the race to start, I thought about the day of my miscarriage, and looking around at the hundreds of women that surrounded me that day, I thought of the reality that 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. I wondered which of these ladies had at one point shared in the pain I had experienced eight years ago.

And then the race started. And I ran. And thoughts of Angel ran with me, thoughts of all that I had done since then to honor her memory, thoughts of the races run for her. 

And I was happy. 

To think of her now, makes me smile. Back then, to think of her would bring unimaginable sadness. But it is somewhat true what they say, "Time heals all wounds." So now when I think of her, I smile. I'm grateful to have carried her the few weeks I did. I'm a better person for having had her in my life.

So I ran. Happy. Determined to remain happy. And it was a good race.

Finished in 36:07

After finishing, I got a medal, my shirt, and a flower! We were showered with gifts!!

I had a great time enjoying me and remembering Angel. This race is a keeper, for sure! 

The Smile Run

A year ago this month, a beautiful little boy met Jesus sooner than anyone would have expected.

Christian Egner, the son of Keith and Tricia Egner, and little brother to Caleb and Kyle, succumbed to complications from asthma, and suddenly, this amazing family was forced to face the darkest days of their lives.

But in the midst of the shadows of grief, this family vowed that their little boy's life would be remembered. They pledged to honor his memory by finding a way to celebrate his life and, simultaneously, leave a legacy in his name. It would have to be something that would produce a lasting impact, as he had done in their lives and in the lives of all who knew him.

This was where the idea for The Smile Run came from - the hearts of grieving parents. Because Christian was always smiling, that name for this 5K, fun run, and tot trot was perfect. So a group of individuals got together with the Egners, the Christian Egner Foundation was created, and The Smile Run became more than just an idea - it became a reality.

"The Christian Egner Foundation was founded in 2016 to provide an avenue of giving back to the community.  Their main purpose is to raise monies that can be donated to various causes, mainly those that impacted the life and family of Christian Egner.  Their primary event is "The Smile Run."  This event was appropriately named after the smile that always encompassed Christian.  Whether on his face or on the faces of those who were around him, these smiles will never be forgotten.

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The beneficiary of The Smile Run is the Ralph Bunche Preschool in Cherokee County.  This is an amazing preschool that specializes in special needs, offering services such as teachers, therapists and nurses.  One of three Cherokee County School Preschools, they host Head Start, Georgia Pre-K and special needs preschool classes for Cherokee County residents." - from The Smile Run website.

This race was by far my favorite race this year! It was a GREAT family event. Even if running isn't your thing, I would encourage you to set your calendar for October 7, 2017, and get ready for a great time with the entire family! My husband ran the 5K, and I ran the fun run (1K) with the girls. They even have the cutest tot trot this side of Georgia!

Upper left (Keith Egner - 5K), Upper right (Michael Wills - 5K)
Both were first place winners in their age groups.

Again, no worries if you are not a runner, there is so much to enjoy with your children (for free!): bounce houses, games, delicious cupcakes (made by Tricia Egner), and face painting!

Honestly, you can't help but smile the entire time at this event!

It was great to honor the life of Chrisitan Egner while at the same time investing in the lives of other children in our community as the proceeds of this event go to a local pre-school for children with special needs. Christian has truly had a lasting impact in the hearts and lives of so many here and now and in the future. It just goes to show you how God can take such a little life and make a huge impact for His kingdom.

Please join us next year! You can run, or walk, or both. Or you could give a donation to the Christian Egner Foundation. Or you can just come and love on this amazing family and honor Christian with your smiles.

Today's forget-me-not:

Memories

My girls and I ran another fun run a couple weekends ago.

Collins Dixon 5K and Fun Run
Race Recap: The race was fun and hot. End race recap. ;-)

I'm just now getting around to writing about that event because it fell on the weekend between pre-planning for teachers and the first week of school. Can you say, "BUSY!"?

Yes. We've been super busy. I now have a little girl in pre-k and a big girl in fourth grade.

When did I get so old?! ;-)

The beginning of a new school year is exciting but also hard. It's hard to get back into the routine of getting the kids up early and out the door. And it's hard standing all day on my feet and teaching after sitting on my butt all summer. Our bodies sure take a beating and go into a bit of shock during this time. Needless to say, the kids are asleep by 8:30 pm with momma not that far behind.

And there's one more thing that makes the first week of school hard. Memories.

Memories of the day I was miscarrying Angel but went into work anyway. Not realizing how agonizing the physical and emotional pain would be.

That was a hard day.

And here I am, six years later. Remembering.

Remembering that day. Remembering the loss. Remembering the sadness.

Remembering you, Angel.

I'll never forget you.

Tell Diana, Christian, and Jen that your mommy sends her love and eagerly awaits when we can all worship Jesus together.

Until then, praise Him, sweet one. Praise Him!

Today's forget-me-not: Angel