A LIFE DIFFERENT

I would like to share a letter I received from a man who spent less than a week with my daughter. As a professional athlete Kristy was sometimes able to stay with other athletes when traveling to a remote location to compete. This process had it's ups and downs. It provided a wonderful opportunity for someone just getting started, who might not have the ability to finance such a trip. It gave her a warm place to stay, food and a place to sleep. But as Kristy would later tell me it also meant constant interaction answering all sorts of sports related questions. Sometimes it could be exhausting. Kristy was a caring and sensitive person and never let this show. Indeed she was always so thankful for anyone's help. She talked very fondly of these 6 days.

I received this letter 3 months after Kristy died:

Dear Karen,

You don't know who I am. I live in Coeur d'Arlene, Idaho. Yesterday was IronMan Coeur d'Alene. Last week, I just happened to Google Kristy's name into the search box. I was curious as to what she had been up to in the triathlon world. I was stunned to see that she had been killed in a crash with a vehicle. I was overwhelmed with sadness and I still am.

Two years ago, Kristy just happened into our lives here in Coeur d'Arlene. You see, that was the year that we hosted a professional triathlete here in our home and that athlete was Kristy. She was only in our lives for six days, but she was such a pleasure to be around and to have around. I felt a bond with Kristy. She was so much like I was when I was 30 years old. To quote Dustin Hoffman in the movie, THE GRADUATE, "I just wanted my life to be different." I think Kristy was a lot like that too. I admired her personality, her determination and her outlook on life. She had so many admirable qualities about her that I really related to. I simply felt a connection to her.

I can't imagine the pain that you must feel over the loss of her. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope in some small way that this letter makes you feel just a little bit better and in some way can brighten your day. God bless you.

And it did brighten my day. I am so proud of my little girl. My friend and my teacher.

Today's workout: I thought about you as I do every time I run at the lake where we used to go. It was a beautiful day and there were so many people out running. I have never seen so many people running the lake - and then I remembered it was New Year's Day. Another mile stone without you. I completed my 6 miles with aching legs and an aching heart. But then I remembered this letter.