You opened the door to a darkened room
Only the colored waters tumbling,
Like my heart for your thoughtful gift,
Into the steamy cauldron
Of sacrifice, support
Commitment and strength
Only with you
Life’s barrels
Withstand
Falls
This etheree was inspired by Hélène’s “What do you see?” Picture Prompt of a beautifully wrapped gift. Gifts can come in many types – some are concrete objects, others are experiences, while still others are words or emotions. Gifts are usually given for special occasions but the best ones, I think, are the ones given “just because”.
The other picture is the view from our hotel room this weekend – a gift from my loving, supportive hubby who also drove us all the way to Niagara Falls so I could run the the Niagara Falls International Women’s Half Marathon. The race will start in just 7 hours but I am awake with nervous energy. I did not train very well for this race and I just got a new shoes two days ago (since my old pair were completely destroyed) so I am not setting the bar too high on my finish time.
I did get to meet the trailblazing Katherine Switzer who is as lovely and kind as she is inspirational! She is 72 and still so vibrant! She told me that her ancestors were Germans who settled in the Lancaster, PA area and became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Who knew?
I’m also starting the race with a group of wonderful women from Moms RUN this Town, not to mention the hundreds of other fabulous women who are running this race. So, I know that no matter my time tomorrow – I’m going to finish and feel accomplished!
But I also know I wouldn’t be here this weekend without the gift of my family supporting this crazy obsession of mine to run. So this race is for them…although I’m still keeping the medal all to myself.
©️ iido 2019
Enjoy the run!
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Oh Irma, the excitement is palpable thousands of miles away! Beautiful words, as always. Enjoy the run, keep the medal but do share a pic! 😂
Good luck, my friend. Know that I will be rooting for you from here. ❤️🤗
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what a real treat … that view, families loving support, meeting a true hero and running!
You are there so you’ve already won! The race itself is just icing on the cake … enjoy, know you’ll do you personal best, new shoes and all ❤
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Best of luck with the run, and such a lovely poem!
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Wow she does not look 72! Good luck my friend!
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Right? I hope I look that good at 72…must be all the running she does! 😁
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That is a delightful weekend. All best of luck with running. Niagara Falls is a charming setting. I agree, gifts come in many different forms, this weekend for you is a precious one indeed. Thank you for the lovely Etheree.
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You’re most welcome, Hélène! The race this weekend was quite wonderful – Niagara Falls definitely has a special magic in its majesty.
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I am happy you had a good race Irma.
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A beautiful write Irma. I expect you’re already “On The Run” I hope you have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Thank you Jen! The race went well – I’ll post about it soon!
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Great! I’m glad it went well. Can’t wait to read 🙂
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Fantastic!
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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i literally had tears reading this and I am not a mushy girl! seeing a woman so passionate about something she believes in really inspires me, you and Kathrine are gorgeous souls, so proud of you making the trip there and well just running! showing up is more important to me, you are setting an example for your kids, that’s the strength of your action. am so energised to hear about your new running group, the friendships will sustain you through life’s tough times and also celebrate your amazing achievements, your ethree is just so special, the gift that cannot be valued or returned is truly the best gift, you deserve this and more. i so love your smile! you are loved and cherished, your hubs lucked out!!
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Awww, Gina! So glad this resonated with you! Running has so many benefits, as you know! I think I really lucked out with my hubby being as supportive as he is. And running groups – it’s like all the lovely writers (like you! 😍) I have met through WP – we make each other stronger and better! ❤️
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Inspiring
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Thank you, Paul! I’m glad you found it so!
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My pleasure
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Wow Irma..i could only imagine …the run
..ahhhh enjoy ..and have fun..
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Thanks Mich! It was a great run. I still have to post my review.
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