The Perfect Day

Yesterday was the perfect day. It started at 4 am, in the cool dark of almost morning. My friends Lynn and Ute picked us up for our adventure in Cincinnati. We stood in Corral H, assembling more friends, until the start of the race. Over the course of 13.1 miles we found family, cheering friends on the sidelines, funny supportive posters, dance music and Elvis. At the finish line we were awarded with smiles and tears and a heavy medal on a wide ribbon. We have planned this day for months, it was my 'line in the sand'. I held it up for our doctors to see that we would give you this much, but no more. We needed to know that wellness was the goal, strength was the purpose, quality of life meant that the day could be perfect. Our friends took up the cause, and rallied with us, allowing us all to enjoy the beauty of the day and the miracle that took place with every step. We were here because we were blessed, we were loved, we made hard choices, we gave up things, we trained, we believed. In one single day, all the days before made sense and found meaning. No matter what lies ahead, there is always hope for perfect days, when our lives find joy, we can dance to the rhythm of the day and fall into the arms of the ones who love us.