THE SPIRIT OF THE TRAILS

The Start Line:

Lota was smiling from ear to ear.  He was having a hard time containing his excitement.  He couldn’t stand still.  He kept pulling pranks on his siblings, his Dad and I. His little sister was enjoying the fun mood Lota was in.  She kept making faces at him and doing silly poses to embarrass her brother. 

As more and more runner filled the Start Line of the Park City Wild Half, the more I felt those “Mommy Butterflies" in my stomach. This is Lota’s longest race since his 4th brain surgery. The one that shook me to my core. He was suppose to bounce back with no problem but he struggled this time around and as his Mom, I am constantly worrying about him. I knew Keith will be out there on the trails with Lota and the girls but that never stops me from worrying. I guess that’s the Mom in me.  

A runner walked by and said Hi. She was sporting her superhero running gears.  My four year old is intrigued and started asking questions. The runner introduced herself.  She told us that she went from being in and out of a wheelchair for five years after a very serious parachute accident in the military and several surgeries to running ultra races and marathons.  And then she told me how she donates every mile she runs to a sweet little boy named Alex who has passed away from cancer. Keith and I were truly inspired. 

I knew Alex.  Alex made a great impact in my life.  He was the first child with cancer that I had the honor to meet.  I still remember his adorable smile that day when I asked to take a picture with him. Even though he was so tired, he agreed and smiled for our picture.  As she told her story, the Mommy Butterflies slowly leave me. A great feeling of peace filled my heart.  

As I looked around me, I saw many people who weren’t there just to run a personal best that day. I saw people who run for Hope. I saw people who run for little Warriors who are fighting with us from the other side.  I saw people who run for a bigger purpose than themselves.  I saw and felt the warmth of the Spirit of the Trails.  

I knew this would be one of the hardest race Lota will ever run.  I knew he was running this race for himself.  I knew he will be a stronger fighter with each mile her conquers on the trail and I wanted him to be alright out there.

Crossing the Finish Line:

Lota finally crossed the finish line at 3:32 minutes (He ran this race at 2:58 minutes last year).   He was greeted by cheers and applause from those who waited patiently for him to finish.  Some of them had crossed the finish line over 3 hours earlier. In the midst of their applause for Lota, I also heard a subtle but clear sound.  It was calm and gentle. It glided by me with ease as I stood there with admiration for my boy.  It sent a feeling of peace and reassurance through me.  I felt the Spirit of the Trails was right there, gently handing my boy back to me. Letting me know,  my boy is alright. Letting me know Lota overcame more than 13.1 miles that day. Letting me know I don't have to worry so much. 

"Thank You Mom" 

As I stood in the kitchen Sunday morning, Lota walked up to me and gave me a hug.  He is smiling from ear to ear again.  “Thank you Mom, for supporting me with my race yesterday.  I had a really good time”, he said.  I wanted to melt. I squeezed him right back. My heart smiled with gratitude.  The Spirit of the Trail is Alive within my boy. I am grateful to finally feel of its presence. 

Yesterday Lota did a video to re-tell his experience from Saturday.  Re-telling is very important as he work to improve his memory during his recovery.