To follow up thoughts about meeting Alison and inspiration of Active Minds, I wanted to mention how much healing power she saw (and I am experiencing) through ‘doing something about it.’ Losing Dan was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with and I know that it is probably the same for a lot of you reading this. Getting past feelings of regret of wishing I could have and would have done something different has been the hardest part of this journey, but I feel really fortunate to have had great help from family, friends and a bit of counseling to bring me past that.
So much of the healing I have experienced over the past year and a bit has been from trying to take some positives out of the situation and share that with people. By creating danielsheffer.com with my mom and putting together a photobook for family of Dan’s photos (that we have now printed over 30 copies for others) it has been really rewarding to share elements of Daniel’s incredible life and his talents that spread the inspiration that he still gives us each and every day.
Running this marathon has taken this healing to another level. All of the amazing generosity, kindness and support that has been given to our effort means so much to the three of us running (me especially:), my family and all of those at Active Minds. I hope that all of you who have contributed and sent so much love and support towards the cause feel a part of this healing, because you are certainly part of it! Thank you all.
On Dan’s facebook profile he listed his religious views as “do good things.” While his spiritual and religious views were certainly a lot more than this, it sums things up nicely I think. Dan and I were both so fortunate to grow up with such loving and devoted parents that exposed us to all the right things through church and scouts to really make us value service and giving to others. While college and busy life has gotten in the way of this element of my life recently, I plan on this being a step towards keeping this healing going.
It is amazing the multiplying effects of this fundraiser has been – first the fact Ryan and Gareth joined me in the effort, then the fact that the money will be doubled in honor of Alison’s brother, the donations and campaigning of friends and family around the world on the behalf of the cause.
TO TOP IT ALL THIS OFF is the exciting news that, also in honor of Dan, my sister (in law) Becca (aka ‘Reebs’) will be running the Sydney “City to Surf” 14k race in August (the largest running event in the world! +70,000 people!!) to raise money for the aussie organization beyondblue that also seeks to raise awareness about depression. Go Reebs!
Oh yeah…and as for training, got out for a nice 4-5 mile run this morning down along the Potomac and north on the Mount Vernon trail – amazing how much flooding there is! I had to run back with my camera (and Indi) to the end of King St to take some pics…nice visuals for my thesis work on planning for sea level rise:)
Five more sleeps…
More Info will come re beyond blue etc – the race is august 8th – training starts today!!!!! Tommy you inspired me – now get over here and help me train!!!!!!!! Xxx
Way to go Becca! I’m so impressed at your commitment. Sending love,
and, Thomas, very thoughtful entry today. I feel spring in the air and that always brings me renewed hope and energy. 2010 will be a better year. One step at a time. Courage is made of many small steps.