Every few days we would get a recorded reminder about the need to fund raise on the phone or we would receive an e-mail or written reminder. After hearing from every grandparent and aunt we thought we would get donations from, I disregarded these reminders. We have done what we could do.
Round and round he ran. “You might need to walk a lap to rest,” my husband called to him as JDaniel swept by us. “Can’t Dad! I have lots of laps to go,” he called over his shoulder. He continued to run and run. He ran with his water cup in hand and water sloshing everywhere. I have never seen him run so much he is whole life.
Thankfully the DJ playing music to inspire the students to run and keep upbeat announced a few laps that everyone had to walk from time to time. I think JDaniel even move fast during those laps. He feet were on fire and so were his cheeks each time he flew by us.
The final lap was declared the “Parent Walk with Me” lap. JDaniel was so proud to hold both of our hands as we walked the lap together. (In that moment I was thankful that we are both still job hunting.) We were both able to make a kindergarten memory all with him that we will all carry with us forever. ”
The fun run was so worth the money we raised for the school. JDaniel had a sense of accomplishment and pride that I haven’t seen in him in kindergarten so far this year. He had the drive and sense of purpose that I hope he will carry into other challenges that he comes up against.
I believe that running with all you have is possible when you have a sense of self, the drive to complete a task, others running with you, and a cheering section. I am so glad that I get to be a part of the cheering section for my very special runner. Getting the see that broad smile and receive a huge hug of thanks for coming to his run was priceless.
