Thank God for Hometowns

When we have our first meeting for the J-Town Running Club, my classroom is usually crowded with 50 plus students.  At that first meeting I promise them that if they put in the effort, train, and work hard, we will do everything in our power to get them across the finish line.  I continue to reinforce that promise as the numbers dwindle.  Those who stick with us are strong in body, strong in mind and strong in heart.  This gig is not for everyone. 

This year we did not realize that the promise of getting the kids across the finish line would be SO EXPENSIVE and never have this many kids stuck around. We have received many donations over the past couple months from people who do not know our students, but their kindness of heart and spirit compelled them to sponsor our students.  Absolutely amazing!!  This past week we received a significant donation that put us so close to our goal that we immediately registered the kids.  That and the email from the LA Marathon that they were 500 spots from sellout gave us the urgency and the impetus to just DO IT.  What a great feeling!

Of course, I cried and so did a couple of the girls when I shared the donations with the kids and that we would be registering.  The boys just dropped their jaws.  A male colleague laughed at me for crying when I am happy.  I couldn’t help it.  This year is our largest group and our largest expense.  I just kept hoping and praying I would be able to follow through on the promise; finally knowing that it was actually going to happen was an incredible feeling and I was overcome.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Yesterday on my run, I cried again, yes, I'm an emotional wimp.  I was about 8 miles into the 20 when a Carrie Underwood song came on my IPod (yes, I listen to country when I run).  It was called “Thank God for Hometowns.”  I had never listened to it before and it was perfect.  It is the support of many family and friends from my hometown that got us here.  As I continued to run I reflected on where I came from and all of those who helped me get to where I am today.  I am not the same person I was 15 years ago or 10 years ago or even 5 years ago.  Every person I encounter has and continues to shape who I am. 

The foundation that was built in my hometown of Gustine, CA is something that is dear to me.  While I may be miles away the words and influence of many coaches, teachers and advisors, family and friends continues to impact my life and the choices I make.  Del Cid and I do this running club gig for free, just as the many special people back home did to give kids an opportunity.  As one of those kids, I cannot thank you enough.  Thank you for putting up with my attitude =) and never giving up on me. 

From little league and letting me play in the boys league to fast pitch to 4-H, high school sports and FFA and all the teachers in between. Though this list is not exhaustive, thank you:

Tracy Silva, Jerry Silva, Denise Azevedo, Ron and Phil DePauw, Ralph Clark, Jennifer Jamero, Donnie Mendonca, Dalila Hernandez, Andy Guzman, Jorge Marin, Gary Vargas, Kathy Borba, Rod Addington, Dennis Bettencourt, Leroy Oliveira, Pat Nagy, Debbie Silva, Joe Martin, Jamie Farao and Barbara Azevedo and countless teachers in between.

I hope that I can repay my thanks, by paying it forward and I hope that the young people I work with will continue to do the same.  The values you and the community of Gustine instilled in me continue to send a ripple in this great big ocean of life.

I do not run for me.  I run to say thank you.

Life is good.

God is great.

Thank God for Hometowns – Carrie Underwood

Thank God for hometowns
And all the love that makes you go round
Thank God for the county lines that welcome you back in
When you were dying to get out
Thank God for Church pews
And all the faces that won’t forget you
Cause when you’re lost out in this crazy world
You got somewhere to go and get found
Thank God for hometowns

I am looking forward to a few runs when I am home for Easter, “I always find another piece of me Walking down these old familiar streets.”

With love and gratitude,

Whitney