I often run by the memorial you can see in the picture. It’sfor a girl who was hit by a car in 1996. She was 12 when she died. When I got home after taking the picture, a few months ago,I Googled her name. I found she was hit by a driver who ran a red light. Alyciadied on the spot and her friend, of the same age, was severely injured, but helived. They were on the way back from doing homework at a friend’s house.
Apparently the driver did some time, but was eventuallyreleased. I read the testimonies of the friends who were with her that nightand the expressions of pain of her parents. That night I had a hard timefalling asleep.
Every time I run by her memorial by the sidewalk next to theintersection where she was run over, I salute Alycia. I think of her parentsand her friend. I think of my kids. I think about life.
When I run by her memorial I become aware of my feet hittingthe ground and, even if I’m tired, even if it’s sweltering hot, I feel good.I’m alive, my kids are healthy and my loved ones are fine. I hope this lasts,but you just never know, and she reminds me of that. We have to squeeze thejuice out of life while it lasts.
During the rest of my run, I make a mental gratitude list.And even if I feel like slowing down or walking, I don’t. I keep on runningbecause Alycia can’t. In her honor, I enjoy every minute of my journey. She’smy reality check. RIP.
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