"Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most, define us."
That's one of my all-time favorite quotes from Deena Kastor, the United States women's marathon record-holder and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in the 26.2-mile event. That same quote basically defined the last week and a half of my life as well.
On Fourth of July, at the Independence Day 10K/5K at Newhall Park, I attempted to win both events with just 25 minutes in between. The double ended in disaster, as I completely fell apart in the 10K and was a DNS (Did Not Start) in the 5K due to health problems. After crossing halfway in 16:31, I experienced a rough, rough last 3.1 miles that resulted in a 19:23 last half and the start of a very emotional last week and a half.
On one hand, my Mom woke me up Friday morning to tell me my twin sister's baby shower was postponed because she was in labor. Brianna gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy named Tyler James Mills around 3 p.m. Less than 72 hours later, though, my best friend, Amy, sent me a text that changed my life forever. A good friend of mine, Christine Davies, passed away Monday morning due to blood clots.
I"ll never truly understand why bad things happen to such amazing people ... Christine was one of the first people I met when I started working at the movie theater five years ago. She was always so giggly and smiley and positive, especially during the worst of times. When I delivered negative news from my doctors visits or went to work not feeling well, it was always Christine putting a smile on my face. I think she cared so much about other people, she often times forgot about the most important thing: Herself. Typical Christine. Always so generous and caring...
That's one of my all-time favorite quotes from Deena Kastor, the United States women's marathon record-holder and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in the 26.2-mile event. That same quote basically defined the last week and a half of my life as well.
On Fourth of July, at the Independence Day 10K/5K at Newhall Park, I attempted to win both events with just 25 minutes in between. The double ended in disaster, as I completely fell apart in the 10K and was a DNS (Did Not Start) in the 5K due to health problems. After crossing halfway in 16:31, I experienced a rough, rough last 3.1 miles that resulted in a 19:23 last half and the start of a very emotional last week and a half.
On one hand, my Mom woke me up Friday morning to tell me my twin sister's baby shower was postponed because she was in labor. Brianna gave birth to a beautiful, healthy boy named Tyler James Mills around 3 p.m. Less than 72 hours later, though, my best friend, Amy, sent me a text that changed my life forever. A good friend of mine, Christine Davies, passed away Monday morning due to blood clots.
I"ll never truly understand why bad things happen to such amazing people ... Christine was one of the first people I met when I started working at the movie theater five years ago. She was always so giggly and smiley and positive, especially during the worst of times. When I delivered negative news from my doctors visits or went to work not feeling well, it was always Christine putting a smile on my face. I think she cared so much about other people, she often times forgot about the most important thing: Herself. Typical Christine. Always so generous and caring...
To Christine Davies, a beautiful human being taken way too young: I'll miss talking to you about everything related to Harry Potter. I'll miss talking to you in my Dobby voice to pass the time at work. I'll miss telling you about my last race or asking you about your day. I'll miss your smile; your laugh; and your kind heart that went unnoticed too many times. I'll miss everything about you. Absolutely everything. Life is such bullshit. If I could trade places with you I'd do it in a heartbeat. To all your family and friends, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Christine was loved and cherished by so many people. If I knew Monday morning was the last day you'd live, I would have made it an incredible one. You helped me so much through those long shifts at work and my battle with cancer. Everyone loves you so much. And to my twin sister's newborn son, Tyler James Mills: I pray every day that you live in a better world than this one, one filled with peace and happiness and love. I hope you never have to fight cancer or lose a friend or someone you love dearly like I've had to. Remember the most important things life offers -- your family and friends! Congratulations to my twin sister, Brianna, and her boyfriend, Tristan, and to my dear friend, Christine Davis, may you rest in a better place. | Rest in Paradise Christine!!! |
-- Donate HERE. All proceeds will go to Christine's funeral costs and her father. Thank you --