A tribute to YOU

Uncondtional Love: affection with no limits or conditions; complete love

For the past week, this is what I have felt from family and friends. It has been amazing. Since walking away from the course last Monday, I have been totally overwhelmed by the number of emails, text messages, face book posting, cards, calls and support from friends and family. It has been both healing and painful, in a weird way. It is indescribable how I've felt with all this love pouring in. Although I never felt like anyone ever valued me solely for my running ability (or at least anyone I would call a friend), it has been incredible to hear that you are OK without it. You're OK, no great! even with a DNF. It's a little hard to grapple to be honest, which is why it hurts. Not because I feel like I need to run well to feel good about myself, but because running well does make me feel good about myself---and I really wanted to have that feeling last Monday.

So, in order to get me back on track and also honor all of YOU, who have continued to let me be myself, Jackie, here is a posting of your kind words. I share these for everyone to see the power of kindness. The power of reaching out to friends. I also feel like I want to capture all these words as a reminder to myself, today and in the future, that even when I feel like I've "failed", things will still be OK. I hope everyone is all right with me sharing.... Unfortunately, I do not think I'll be able to put them all up.

I'm pretty sure this was the first message in on Monday:

"Jackie, I love you and am still incredibly proud of you." --Joanne

"Strong amazing and SMART. Definitely not worth the risks. You are a fantastic role model. It is hard to know when enough is enough. That takes smarts and courage. Be sad and pissed for a while. And then hold your head high in confidence. Very proud to be your friend." later... "Mother Nature is a bitch. Seriously. I would kick her ass if I didn't suspect she is closely connected to God." ---Kris

"Love you like a sister. Just hope you're ok...." --Lisa

"Have a good trip! I hope you're not too upset. I'd rather have a functioning Jackie than a finisher Jackie" --Becca

"Are you ok?! Your time dropped off the computer--I am praying you are!!" --Ann

"That is HOT. Unfortunately runners can't control everything on race day. Your decision to stop was wise and had to be a HARD one to do. Good thing you are 30 for a whole year and there will be other marathons to get that 3:0? ;) " --Kristy

"I was so worried about you--so I'm happy you had the sense to do what needed to be done. I give you SO many kudos for training and attempting! Wow!" --Debbie

"Jackie, love you no matter what! You are amazing... and smart for not killing yourself! If you want another go at it, I know 2 girls running a marathon next weekend that you could run with :) not a 3:08 but maybe a 4:08. Love you!" ---Caitlin

I've been meaning to write you to say, "Screw the elements."  There wasn't a doubt in anyone's mind that you were going to run 3.0x.  Maybe you weren't sure, but everyone else was.  You're awesome, you threw your heart and soul into training and GOTR, as well as many others, are forever changed because of that.  Don't stop being you. Much love, Laura

"Proud of you sis. You'll pounce on another one. I know the journey was hard but worth it. You're my rock star." --Fritz

"Love you tons Jackie. We're so so SO proud of you! YOU'RE FANTASTIC!" --Dani

Jackie... Heard about Boston....just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you.  I know our situations are different, but I know how devastating it is to train and then have things go NOTHING according to plan.  Just please know that you are my running hero! You are my inspiration for training and having a passion for running.  I'm proud of you for getting through the training, as well as for blogging about it (b/c as you said numerous times....that isn't like you to do).  Know that I think you rock!  Also, just getting to Boston...Holdy S*** that in itself is an accomplishment :) Hope to see you this Friday.  Thinking about you! --Kathleen

Know that all of you have touched me and for that-- I'm forever grateful.

Know that little gestures move hearts.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” --Mother Teresa