The Human Race

I am waiting with anticipation for Saturday's Human Race and the beautiful day that it will be...
This weekend is so much more than the Human Race. It's so much more than fundraising or the foundation or attracting attention for a cause. This weekend, the Human Race, is all I get each year. I don't get to plan birthday parties or have first day of school photos or invites to play dates with Ruthie Lou. Instead, this weekend I get to honor my daughter by walking in the Human Race, by wearing her name on my shirt and by seeing it printed on the shirt of all those who love her, too. This weekend, I get to "see" her in the people who show up and the people who support us and include her in our lives still today.

I love that this event is always the day before Mothers Day, it feels so appropriate. It also makes that day much more difficult. It feels so fitting that on a day reserved for mothers, I get to speak of my little girl freely because every person in our group at the race signed up to be there. But also, on this day reserved for mothers, I only get to hug one of my babies and kiss one to sleep at night. That will never feel fair. 

The Human Race is so much more than how many people show up that day, it's about those who know the value in showing up, who understand that this day is all I get. I know life is busy and I know not everyone who wants to be will be there but I am always so excited to see who will be there, each year is different and each year is perfect. The Human Race is about continuing Ruthie Lou's legacy by spreading her love between friends, family and the families in which her foundation will help. This day is about my daughter, her amazing soul and her heart that will always live on in mine. 
This day is beautiful. And this day is hard. Much like life is, beautiful yet hard.
I miss you, Ruthie Lou. Always.

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