what moves me... part 1

my legs felt heavy on my run today... climbing the hills was a struggle. but as i pushed myself onward, i was remembering the sight of my mother-in-law struggling to lift her feet high enough to get in the front door last night. it took my husband holding her up from the front, and my father-in-law pushing her up from behind to climb the three stairs. and i am motivated to keep going...

she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2006, and her family was told that there was little that could be done for her, and that they could expect her to hold out for maybe six more months.

to everyone's surprise (and happiness) she is still with us two and a half years later, though she is smaller and frailer every time we see her. there is almost nothing left of her now, her legs and arms are like twigs... and she is unable to move about on her own.

i am so thankful that i am strong and healthy. and if i am able to use my good health to raise awareness and money so that others might be spared this devastating disease, then i guess a few sore and tired muscles are a small price to pay.