Heart and Soul

Greetings!

What a day... Photos are courtesy of "Steadie Eddie" who was at the actual training site for the first time, yet has been along on the journey every step of the way. Thank you, Ed.

Another day for memory books and too much to put into words.

Highlights:

• Receiving the purple singlet with Aidan and Maria's name emblazoned on the back.


• Justin's (Justin and I work together at Assumption. He is a cancer survivor and an impressively dedicated volunteer for LLS.) moving rally for the team. Go TEAM! was shouted to the rafters.


• A fun and laughter-filled bus ride to Hopkington with Melissa, an Assumption alum (pictured in center of photo in the blue skirt in the blog from last week :)


• Ed, Katherine Rose, Mom and Dad to cheer us on at Mile 15! Justin gave Katherine the "foam finger" to cheer us on... in her book, it was Christmas all over again.


• A beautiful, sunny and camaraderie infused run from Hopkinton to Heart Break Hill.


• Waiting for transport back to Wellesley after the 20 I began to feel very cold. Hadn't even said a word about it, when Dad pulled off his warm parka and insisted I wear it. Somehow, he just knows and is always there with the right word or thing to do to offer comfort and support. He is another conduit of light in this world. Thanks Dad for continuously representing Aidan and Maria's goodness.


• Finished the day with a late family lunch in Sudbury. It was good to relax and have James at the table.

The peak of the training is behind us. We have made it this far because of YOU.

With thanks and sincere appreciation,

m

Quote of the week: From the CD cover A Journey to Boston for Aidan and Maria put together by Patty. "To Mary and James: Wishing you a set of very light feet on your 26.2 journey as you help a cause with many a heavy heart."

What's on the iPod: Two songs selected by Patty. For Aidan: "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift. For Maria: "Ave Maria" by Choir of Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis (who knew the Choir of Benedictine Nuns was available at the iTunes store?? Leave it to Patty...)

Hopkinton Bound...

Greetings,
Woke this morning to a text from Patty (my amazing sister "-in-law") letting me know there was a CD inside the front door to listen to on the ride to Wellesley.
Opened the door to find a bag with 2 Discs of songs for James and me... on the playlists were songs dedicated to Aidan and Maria, song picks from all our nieces and nephews and a piece from Aunt Dale and the Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis (where this journey began back in September with the planting of Aidan's Tree). There were also song selections from the playlists of famous Boston Marathon runners, Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher.
So, with moist eyes the day begins.

Did you know that Patty is the one who just had the twin girls Josie and Tessie?
Patty runs a Marathon every day... A beacon of Aidan and Maria's light? You bet.
Here's to you, Sistah!
With much love,
m

P.S. On the inside cover of the CD case was this:
From Ryan Hall on his marathon mindset:
I do think about some of the things my dad ingrained in me growing up on the starting line, like "If it is not fun, then it is not worth doing." I like this mantra because we all get nervous and intimidated at the start of a marathon but this helps me just relax and enjoy the journey. It is important to enjoy each step in the journey-- even the tired ones-- because as my dad says, "Happy feet make light feet."


Patty, you are a gift. Thank you.

Off to see James and get on the race route. Gotta run.

Aidan

Regi shared these beautiful photos of Aidan for the dedication board that will be part of the 20 miler this week. The wedding photos were taken just about a year ago on March 28th when cousin Julie, Aidan's Aunt was married.

The other photos are of Aidan at his pre-school graduation and Aidan and his wonderful Dad, Josh.

Katherine Rose and I played and sang along with "This Little Light of Mine" on the iPod before she turned in for the night. "Aidan's light is mine..."

Love,

m

The Countdown Begins... Marathon Monday 29 days.

Greetings!

What a difference 7 days makes... what's that saying? "If you don't like the weather in New England... Wait 15 minutes." Shorts, sun and a flat (relatively) 15... "money" I heard one of the team members say.

It was truly a spectacular day. Pictured are some of my wonderful TNT teammates. Above is a photo of us just finishing the 15... in the center is Sara Swillo who works at Assumption with me! Small world.

We're heading into the home stretch and nostalgia is setting in. The training peak is next week as we get ready to run Hopkington to the base of Heartbreak Hill. 20 miles. Really looking forward to having James home to join in on the run. Ed and Katherine Rose will also be volunteering at a water stop along the race route-- KR has asked to be assigned to one of the stops where they are providing candy and treats... no gatorade/water-only stop for her! The question is... Will there be any treats left for the runners??

m

Quote of the week: "A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles." Tim Cahill

What's on the iPod: Someday by Rob Thomas I really like Rob Thomas' music. One of my other favorites is Streetcorner Symphony "Come on over..."

Squish, Squish... "Up!"

Greetings,
How about the rain? Have you had enough? I know I have! Saturday's 18-miler was one of the wetter ones I've encountered. It started with a little drizzle as we headed from Wellesley to Framingham... I remember thinking, "This isn't too bad." Then we turned around and started back toward Newton. All of a sudden we felt the wind gusting and blowing the rain-- right into our faces. Between the cars splashing us, navigating the hills and the rain getting heavier by the minute there was nothing to do but laugh and call out encouragement to the others.
We made it and I have to say I'm really glad the 18 is behind us. The "squish, squish" of soaked sneakers striking the sidewalk is something I hope not to hear again for a while ;)
It was another experience that will define this journey and in the moments of "I'm so wet and cold" there was the balance of "We're all in this together."

Came home to enjoy a wonderful evening with Ed and Katherine Rose watching the inspiring and uplifting movie, "Up." If you haven't had the chance to see it, it's a terrific film. Classic Disney in the sense that it has deep meaning cloaked in animation and slap stick humor-- Katherine's belly laugh had me grinning ear to ear. It was so good to be dry, warm and home with the family relaxing on the couch. It was also good to be fully present in the moment. This movie commanded it.

The adventure continues...
m

Quote of the week: "Thanks for the adventure. Now go have one of your own." Ellie's last message to Carl from the movie Up

What's on the iPod: These are Days 10,000 Maniacs. This song has been one of my favorites for a long time. The lyrics are incredible.

An update from Ed and Team Bresnahan

After several weeks of training and preparation, Team Bresnahan ( Mary, Ed and Katherine) are looking forward to closing out strong and getting ready for race day. Our journey began last fall on our way to Aidan's tree dedication at the Abbey Regina Laudis in CT . Mary began
filling out her application in the car and I recall Uncle Rick being shocked and chagrined at the many questions that Mary had to answer during her application process- little did we know what we were all in store for in the next several months. This was not going to be your typical marathon training experience but something a whole lot more! From the overwhelming generosity from family and friends,the early Saturday morning training sessions in Wellesley, the inspirational stories from the survivors and the opportunity to be a part of a great cause, it has been a very special experience for our family. We will remember this for many years to come. And maybe even run a marathon as a family some day! Thanks to all for your generosity and support ! Go Mary- 26.20!

Ed

Light and Life

Greetings!

Today is Katherine Rose's 6th Birthday. Breakfast this morning was her favorite... blueberry pancakes and sausage topped off with a fancy birthday hat. What could be better?

Tonight Katherine was settling into bed for the night and we were talking about her day. She paused for a moment and then said out of the blue, "I bet Aidan is celebrating my birthday in heaven having cake with all his friends." ....out of the mouths of babes.

Happy Birthday, Katherine Rose. Thank you for all the light you bring to our life and for helping us to believe in all that is good.

18 miles this weekend. Wish me luck.

m

Quote of the week: "There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

What's on the iPod: "You are my sunshine" A song I often sing to KR at night-- ad libbing the words.