See her? She's MY mom!
In the weeks following the passing of my twelve year old son, Andrew, from Earth to Heaven, I had a recurring idea flittering through my mind like the butterflies that dance around my front yard flowers.
One day I told a friend, "I'm thinking about running again. I want to run for the love of Andrew."
I had run in past years - three miles a few times a week. My husband, a runner himself, encouraged me to run 5k's and even a half marathon. But for various reasons or excuses, I just stopped.
In April, four months into grieving for my sweet boy, I ran a half mile in my neighborhood. A week later I was running in the Aflac Iron Girl 5k. I held signs with "Andrew's Message."
Life May Get Really Hard.
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus.
(You can read more about "Andrew's Message" here and here.)
I ran another 5k on Mother's Day morning. This time four of us ran together- my friend Jen, her daughter Summer, my daughter Audra and myself. Grinning, we signed in as the MAD (Mother And Daughter) BootY Camp.
I ran another 5k on Mother's Day morning. This time four of us ran together- my friend Jen, her daughter Summer, my daughter Audra and myself. Grinning, we signed in as the MAD (Mother And Daughter) BootY Camp.
Even though it is hot and humid in Florida, I am running 3 - 4 miles every day and plan to increase my mileage weekly as I am training to run a 10k at midnight on July 3rd. In the fall, with the encouragement of my daughter, Audra, my goal is to run another half marathon. Audra will be running the 10k and the half marathon as well.
When I run I wear a blue band around my right wrist. It has Andrew's name, his birthdate and his entry date into Heaven. When I run sometimes I pray. When I run sometimes I organize my day. When I run sometimes I create artsy-crafty projects in my head. When I run sometimes I get inspired for future writing topics. When I run up-hill sometimes I concentrate on BREATHING.
When I run I always hear Andrew's voice from Heaven. In my mind he is with a group of kids playing, skateboarding, painting. He calls them over and through the clouds, he points me out and he says, "See her? She's MY mom!"
And that's what keeps me running.
I run for the Love of Andrew.
Andrew Christopher Dorsey 4/25/97 ~ 12/15/09
Keep running my friend. You are amazing! You are inspiring! I am proud to call you my friend. :-)
ReplyDeletewell there goes the mascara!
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE you run for the love of Andrew! And of course he sees and is proud of his mom and says so with a big smile on his face!
I can picture him as clear as a bell, just from seeing your pictures of him. I just KNOW that he shares your runs!!
Hugs Melanie... I know that when I get to heaven, I will KNOW Andrew too!
You look fabulous! Even more so, your heart is fabulous. Keep running and keep remembering, and I'll be following behind you as you go.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! Don't you just know that Andrew is smiling down at you? That skateboarding-boy knows his mom is the coolest.
I'm so proud of you. I'm cheering you on!
OH Melanie....
ReplyDeleteI can't type through my tears right now. What a wonderful place this will be! I am running beside you and know your precious Andrew is cheering you on, as is the Lord!
You look sooo good in your pics ~ sweaty yes but the Love of a Momma's heart is shining brightly!
Bless you my friend
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration. You look great girl!!! You run right on and continue being fearless!!
Love you many hugs to you,
Dawn
Andrew is so proud of you, he is definitely your biggest cheerleader.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing. Fearless. Keep on running.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the scripture!! I'm still planning to run my first marathon in November... wanna come?
i want to run!! physicaly i don't even know if it's possible but i guess i need to give it a try. i just love your heart!!
ReplyDeleteplanning a possible trip to see my guy in florida in august. i will keep you posted.
love you!!
Oh Melanie, I'm so proud of you; way to go girl. I know how humid it is in FL and right now it's hot, according to my family. What a perfect outlet in so many ways though. It's good for your health, your emotions, and the memory of your Andrew. Keep running Melanie.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Debbie
Well of COURSE Andrew is proudly watching his mom. You are running a good race.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud to "know" you through blogging and FB! I know he is proud of you, for so many reasons. I can relate to all of the things you think about as you run. Thank you for sharing this; it will also help to inspire me as I slug along. Keep going!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeletetruly a beautiful picture and great inspiration to keep on keeping on. Thank you so much for sharing it. I'll be following along ...
~ Julie@comehaveapeac
I love this. Run, Melanie.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Run, Melanie, Run! Run for me too! One thing I never could do very well.
ReplyDeletehugs,
tara
AWESOME Melanie!!!! Love that..."see her..." Very inspirational. I just started adding a few minutes of running throughout my 2 mile walk.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lelia
I LOVE your new site!!! You're gonna encourage me to keep moving! I love the blue bracelet you wear in honor of Andrew. I think I already told you that as I crossed the finish line of my first 5K, Andrew was on my mind as tears filled my eyes. Love you girl!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what inspires you, I know Andrew does, but you are a driven woman, in other ways too. I so admire you and all you do! Keep running Mel and maybe I will get up enough courage to join you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this, Melanie! The scriptures you've posted here are SO anointed, as is this new blog of yours. Many people can identify with the hardships you've endured. May God bless you and grant you favor and success and you run!
ReplyDeleteP.S. To run in this Florida heat is an amazing feat. I don't know HOW you do it, but I'm SO proud of you and honored to know you. :)
Melanie, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog. I am adding it to my blog list. I was so sad to read about your son, but so happy to read about your faith and your renewed running. I, too, pray when I run, even thought what I do doesn't look a whole lot like running. The first 15 minutes of each run I pray the rosary and remember those who have asked for prayer. The rest of the time I let my mind wander (although it often wanders during prayer, too).
ReplyDeleteThank you again for visiting my blog and inviting me to read yours!
Hugs and blessings,
Mary
Oh gosh, this made me cry! I am so touched by your story. Andrew is beautiful and reminds me so of my own sweet boys. Mine skateboard, too. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am so sorry for your loss. You absolutely honor your son with your life.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, this is beautiful. I hardly know what to say. You are such an amazing person, and I know Andrew is proud, as are your other children. Way to go! Take action! Run with the wind! Run with God! Run for the love of Andrew. laurie
ReplyDeletethat's an awesome testimony and display of God's love. I'm a runner dad and I don't know what I would do if I lost any of my kids! Keep on running! You are an inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteI have no words Melanie. God bless you. God bless your son, and indeed, he sees you running.
ReplyDeletesincere-lee
lizzie lee