So, there’s a lot I haven’t done, and up until Sunday, participating in a 5k was one of those things. Given that my birthday was Monday, I had the inclination at the last minute to see if any local 5ks were around for St. Patty’s Day. Given my proximity to Boston, I figured there was a high chance.

A very quick online search found The Patrick Cumming Memorial St. Patrick’s Day 5k.

Without hesitation, I registered Briggs and me for the race and added a modest contribution to the cause (an EMT scholarship in Patrick’s name).

I didn’t know Patrick, but it was clear from the page that he was deeply engrained in the Princeton Fire and first responder communities and that his life was cut tragically short. This race was the first anniversary of his passing.

It was all I needed to know to inspire me to finally try one more thing in my single precious life.

Ultimately, Briggs didn’t run with me because I got confused and thought the race was Saturday, but it was Sunday (I want to blame the brain surgery for things like this, but honestly, I was this way BS – before surgery (sadly that’s no BS).) Briggs had baseball practice early Sunday morning, so my Mom took him to practice so I could still make the race.

I went to the race by myself to honor a young man I’d never met and do something I’d never done. Surprisingly, I wasn’t anxious or awkward…maybe because even though I am far from my best shape, I know I am able-bodied. I know that I am fortunate to have the means and energy to be upright, in motion, and here. So, my time or place wasn’t a marker of winning or success. My goals were far simpler 1) Show up 2) Thank the organizers 3) Finish (in that order),

And I met my goals.

Before starting the race, I met Patrick’s Aunt, who told me more about her nephew and described her sister, Patrick’s Mom, so I could find her before I left.

After completing the 5k in 43 minutes, I found Patrick’s Mom. I thanked her for the opportunity to help the community, honor her son, and be a part of something so beautiful the day before my 44th, especially given my challenges over the last six months.

Then we hugged, and I drove home to ask my son how practice went and take a nap.

Life is brutal and unfair and undeniably good and beautiful.

My runner’s red. 🙂 If you want to fact-check my time on the site, my bib number was 126. 🙂