The morning has a jumpstart on me as I get ready for my run. My body is tired, having slept very little last night and my equilibrium is off. I am moving slowly and much later than normal, but today of all days I need to run. Today is July 4th, Independence Day!
Getting ready I hear the birds singing and chirping. There is wind, but it is still a bright, sunny, beautiful day. The pre-run rituals center me and help me prepare; lacing up my running shoes, putting in the earbuds, turning on the run tracker and finally filling my body with music!! Immediately as I head up my first hill I realize this is going to be a difficult run. My body is heavy, my legs are like rusted iron, I am already parched and the desire to stop is so strong I can taste it. The battle begins of mind over matter!
Attacking the hill, though, I think about what today actually means. Today is a celebration of freedom or as our local event has been aptly named, Freedom has a Birthday! Pushing my body I realize how thankful I am that because of visionaries before me and men and women who have sworn to protect our freedoms I am blessed with the choice to run or not to run. I can dress for my run so that I am comfortable and not too hot. I can set out on my own and know I am safe. Even in the early morning hours when my shoes usually hit the asphalt I know I am safe.
I crest the top of the hill and truly look around. The sky is a brilliant blue with just hints of cotton candy clouds to break it up. The warm sunshine kisses my cheeks and the wind tugs not so gently on my ponytail. I know this neighborhood, as I know almost all of the other neighborhoods in our town. The homes sit side by side, decked out with flowers, trees, and the brilliance of green grass. I know these people, friends and aquaintances with whom we have created stories and memories. We have experienced trials, heartbreak, cried and laughed with each other. We have watched as our children have grown; some moving on, some on the cusp of an entirely new life and some just experiencing their first precious breaths. We have cheered at sporting events, clapped at awards ceremonies and watched as some have stumbled, fallen and then made the choice to get back up. Our children are blessed as they experience the freedom to grow up without limitations, knowing they can be or do anything they choose. Nobody else will decide their path and if they start down one direction and decide to change course, they can.
My body finds a rhythm and my shoes begin to dance with the asphalt. I tackle another hill and think of my famiy and friends who have made the decision to don a uniform and protect the freedom of our great country; my brother, cousins, nieces, grandfathers and friends. I am so thankful for their sacrifice, knowing they have tackled miles and miles of hills and endured experiences many of us can't even imagine. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice and some return with ghosts and shadows. Freedom is not free and I am thankful for the men and women who have chosen to pay that price for us.
Turning a corner the sun is now caressing my back. The wind pushes against me and my feet continue to eat up miles. My body still struggles, but it endures joyfully as I think about the day ahead! Later, we will head down to the park to mingle with friends and neighbors. Booths decked out in red, white and blue, will be set up all around the park promoting small businesses, charities, political parties, local youth groups and many other organizations. We will walk around, laugh with friends, eat funnel cakes and ice cream . We will grill hamburgers and share a meal with Grandparents and will be truly thankful that we have this opportunity.
I am acutely aware that many things in our country are not perfect. I know many issues need addressed and systems need changed. I worry about what our children will be facing when they are our age. But, I believe when you focus on negative you draw more negativity. I choose to focus on the positive and be thankful for what we have; look at things with an attitude of gratitude. Today I choose to focus on the wonderful things, starting with our freedom. We have freedom to live and work where we choose, the freedom to speak our opinion on political matters, shop where we want, raise our children (as many as we want) the way we want, run when and where we want and to be who we want.
As I struggle through the final mile I am thankful and blessed. I run for those who can't, for those who did before me and for those that will after me. I run for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, allowing me to run without worry, and for those that continue to protect our freedom. I run for those who were lost too early and never experienced life, for those who lived long full lives and for everyone in between. I run for and with freedom!
Happy Independence Day!!
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