A Milestone Birthday!

Today, Maria turns 21. A major milestone and one we are so grateful to celebrate.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA!

With lots of love,
m

"Cow Bell"

Greetings,

H-e-l-l-o Atlanta! This week Assumption provided me the wonderful opportunity to gather with colleagues from around the country who are involved in Enrollment Management and Marketing. It was a very productive and inspiring trip from the work perspective and beyond.

Getting to know the participants I met a VP from a Tennessee institution who told me that he'd just started running 5 years ago and has already run 3 marathons. Impressive. I also learned that running the Marine Corps Marathon he'd dedicated each mile to a person who had had a significant influence in his life. Big smile.

He went on to tell me that Mile 14 was dedicated to an executive administrator who was a mentor to him and had since passed. One of his distinct memories of this individual was that he would loudly ring a Cow Bell each time a goal or major accomplishment had been achieved. Running along Mile 14 of the Marine Corps Marathon what did he hear from the crowd?? You guessed it, a loudly ringing Cow Bell. This was the only time he heard this sound the entire race route. A-mazing.
I loved this story and the thoughtful way he infused others into his marathon experience.

The next several weeks are dotted by some very long runs and I have to say it's a bit daunting. As you have been all along... YOU will continue along on the journey. Remembering individuals who have influenced me in a positive way seems a fitting way to gather energy and tackle these runs.
So, I decided on Thursday night that from here on out each mile in the coming weeks will be dedicated to a person who embodies Aidan and Maria's goodness.

Saturday was a 16 mile run and traveling back to Boston Friday night, I made a list of 16 people. The Run? It was a sweet 16.

Blessed with a well of people who demonstrate all that is good in this world,

m

P.S. Found myself in the cab queue with a gentleman who was also heading to the airport. With cabs at a premium we decided to share. We discussed where we were flying that afternoon. Me? Boston. Him? Johannesburg. Wow. Further conversation about family, jobs etc. revealed that he works in finance for Coca Cola Corporate (International Headquarters = Atlanta) and has completed two Ultra Marathons. Wow.
I guess it really is all relative. :)

P.P.S. He insisted on taking care of the entire cab fare. When I thanked him for his "donation" in support of Catholic Higher Education he simply replied, "Go and drink Coke products." Deal.

Quote of the week: "Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love, Clarence" It's a Wonderful Life
Just thinking about that cow bell ringing...

What's on the iPod: "I'd like to teach the world to sing" The Coca Cola Song (You remember this one! Type it in at YouTube. Memories...)

"Today is the BEST day!"

Pictured left: James and I finish 15!

Next stop... a visit with the twins! James holding Josie Elizabeth(l) and Tessie Mary(r) Auntie Mary then has a turn... How about that smile, James? Life is so good.

Greetings,

The journey only gets better...

James was in town from Miami and came to his first Team in Training practice. I was honored to have been asked to provide the Dedication for this week's run. Together, James and I stood before the team and shared with them Maria and Aidan's story. Aidan's famous phrase "Today is the BEST day (of my life)!" was included in the dedication. There were tears and smiles and then we were off and running.

Lopping down Route 16 we passed group after group of TNT runners returning on the course-- All of a sudden, I heard a runner shouting, "Hey! Today is the BEST day!" This wasn't the only time we heard this during our 15 mile run. The team was enlivened by Aidan's words, his ability to embrace each moment, to live and to love fully in the present. It was an experience I will never, ever forget.

James and I then went on to visit the newest members of the family... What a gift.

Aidan. Maria. Thank you for your example of how to live a good life, to embrace each moment and for providing inspiration to so many. You are ever-present.

"Today is the BEST day of my life!"

With gratitude,

m

P.S. We are all connected. After giving the dedication, a fellow runner walked up to me and shaking her head in disbelief, said, "My daughter goes to school with Ava, Aidan's younger sister." Incredible.

Quote of the week: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." --Abraham Lincoln

What's on the iPod: Let the Day Begin The Call

Feelin' the Love...

Greetings,
Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you are having a wonderful day with family and friends. Yesterday, running 15 with the team I was definitely feelin' the love. Running along the marathon route with some amazing LLS teammates and many others out pounding the pavement for other causes is truly heartwarming. The tempo is picking up and we have a lot more company on the trail.
Lots of excitement in the week ahead:

• We'll welcome two new members of the family on Friday as my brother Dan and wife Patty expect twin girls on the 19th. Can't wait!!
• James will be home to meet the babies and run with the team on Saturday. This will be his first run with the group and we're really excited to have him on the trail.
• Singlet personalizations are due and I'll be submitting Aidan and Maria's name to be screened on the back for Marathon Monday. A big moment.

With love and appreciation to all,

m

Quote of the week: "We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love." Mother Teresa

What's on the iPod: Hold my Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish Remember Hootie? A blast from the past... heard this song in the car yesterday while riding with Katherine Rose. "With a little love..."

Have you ever washed an iPod in the washing machine?

Greetings!

Thank you Regi for sharing your reflection with us. You, Aidan, Ava and Josh are ever-present in our thoughts and prayers.

Out on the training trail it's been a rather interesting and full week... let me bullet the major happenings :)

• New sneakers! Had worn the tread off the pair purchased in November... love the new size 1o.5 saucony stabils. Not glamorous but they feel good on the feet.
  
• How about the COLD?? Anyone out there had enough? The photos above show the temp outside when I had to run 14 miles on Friday a.m. The wind gusts at 25 mph sent me into the basement to the treadmill (yes, I had to take a photo to prove that I did indeed run 14 on the 9 year-old machine.) Did you know that a treadmill shuts off automatically at 100 minutes? Who knew? I do now :) Slogged through it singing some of the tunes you've suggested for my iPod. Thanks!
  
  
• Ever washed an iPod in the washing machine? Well... I did and it wasn't a happy moment when I figured it out. But, once again, our "Steady Eddie" came to the rescue. He simply asked for the iPod and ear buds and placed them on the heater overnight. "Patience," he said. Sure enough 24 hours later, the tunes are cranking, the iPod is clean and I'm back in the saddle. Thanks, Ed.

That's enough for now. Stay warm and keep the song suggestions and quotes coming. I really appreciate them!

m

P.S. Lest I forget my training partner... While I was in the cellar on the old trusty (or is it rusty?) treadmill... James was running the Miami 1/2 Marathon with 18,000 other runners and a huge cheering section. Enough said. ;)

Quote of the week:

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer."

Albert Camus

What's on the (washed and clean) iPod:

"Our Lives"

The Calling