No Air.

Almost another month has passed since my last blog post, another unintended hiatus... sigh. I've missed blogging. I've missed getting my goals out there (there's a biggie coming up, post coming soon...), and being held accountable. I've missed jotting down my thoughts, the many that swirl around in my mind as I head out for a run, especially lately.


A few weeks ago, I got a call from my best friend... "mom" was in critical care, another bout of pneumonia... could I come stay with her son overnight while she and hubby went to the hospital. The next two and a half days, as she stayed by her mother's side, I was busy with building blocks, diaper changes, warming up bottles, taking her dog for a walk, and nap time (for the baby, not me). 


I thought about all of you strong, running moms, pushing a stroller while logging your miles... You see, when Terron was that age, I never would have thought about a run. My, how things have changed. 


Oh, how I wished I had brought my running shoes...


Sunday morning, I saw a Facebook update that Marathonman Rick had suddenly passed away while out for a run, and about 30 minutes later, a text from the hospital, "mom" had passed away, too. While she may not have been my biological mother, she has been a "mom" to me since I moved here about 17 years ago.... Wow, talk about a Thanksgiving to remember, two lives taken far too soon.


It wasn't until the following day that I had the opportunity to run. No planned route, no distance in mind. Just run.


Within the first kilometre, memories came flooding back, tears streamed down my face, the sadness I held in while trying to be strong for my friend poured out. I ran. 


In an almost cruel twist of fate, the song No Air started playing on my ipod... I don't remember the last time that song played. I could only think of "mom's" final breaths, as she struggled to breathe. I felt like I was running on clouds, like they were both helping lift me a little to make my footfall light, and silent, both with me at that moment. I just ran. Thinking. Crying. Remembering.