GLORIOUS

I arrived at the lake and sat in the car with the radio on listening to Barak Obama's acceptance speech. The sun was glistening through the trees and the mist was still rising. My mind took me back to conversations with Kristy about our hopes for his election. She enthusiastically voted for Obama in the primaries.

Obama really connected with the younger generation. We specifically discussed his assertion that "we are not Republicans or Democrats but Americans." As I sat there listening to his message of hope and determination I felt a deep sense of gratitude that he was moving the nation out of our deepening sense of hopelessness.

It was a glorious morning. Kristy used to use the word "glorious" to describe things she especially liked. I loved to hear her say something was glorious. I am sure she would have used it this morning and I wanted so much to hear her say it.

After Obama's speech I got out of the car and started my ascent. Every time I see the forest and the lake I am struck by it's beauty. Kristy had run here for nearly 15 years. She knew the trails like the back of her hand and as I run along I try to imagine which landmarks she would pick out as she sped by. I try to imagine what she would think about on those long runs. I am sure it would have included the word glorious.

As I speed by this morning I can hear her saying it. At this moment I know what she is thinking. She is caught up in the glory of being alive, of doing what you want with your life, of accepting no boundaries; the glory of being Kristy.

I smile and my heart swells with love and pride. In this moment I see her and hear her as she laughs out loud. She is screaming -- glorious!

Today's workout: 6 mile run at lake