"Could a greater miracle take place than
for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?"
–Henry David Thoreau
We often are told to be kind to others
because we don’t know what they are going through in their lives, but how often
do we truly take the time to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes? As I was walking to work this week, I watched
a family going their separate ways for the day- a father in a suit with his
briefcase in tow hugging his wife and child as they got into a taxi. The mother and child were headed off to the
child’s chemotherapy, while the father was headed to work. Unfortunately, this is the sad reality for
many families who have a loved one undergoing cancer treatment. The family doesn’t get much time together
between working to try to pay medical bills, doctor’s appointments and other
errands/tasks that must be done. It made
me rethink how “rushed and stressed” I had felt that morning before leaving the
house. My struggles of the morning
compared to what this family was going through that day. This was an excellent reminder for me to keep
my patience throughout my day with people who may seem irritated, cranky,
flustered, etc. For all I know these
people may be caring fully for a loved one at home who is ill, trying to figure
out how they will pay a massive medical bill, going through family struggles or
perhaps all of the above. The rest of
the week, I made an extra effort to give a smile and go above and beyond for
those around- a smile is enough to make a huge difference in someone’s day!
The little acts of kindness we all do for one another will help to make the
world a better place.
It was a great week of training- Tuesday I braved the rain for a soaking wet
run, while Thursday left me with better weather to run along the Charles River
at dusk. Will and I came home to a
wonderful roast we had put together in the slow cooker before we set out for
our long run on the river. It was a
little windy, but overall great weather for a run!
Please consider making a donation to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge which
raises money to fund innovative cancer research by clicking the link below
Every donation makes a huge impact and can help bring us closer to a world
without cancer. Instead of that venti
latte, consider a donation to help fund research that aims to make the world a
better place for all of us.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
-S
