Lessons

I've talked before about my love for race bling!
It's safe to say, I run for it.
Each race, I get so excited to have a new blingy medal.
Saturday was no different!

Most of the time, I let the medal be a surprise.
I don't try to see it ahead of time because I like having my first look at the finish line.

Well Saturday, I got the best medal ever.
And it was NOT from the Provo City Half.
Sure, that medal was nice.
But it doesn't compare to the one I'm referring to.

In fact, no medal I have received compares to it.
I've had a few come close.

For instance, this one is my first race ever and the marathon of my life!

I went physically and mentally where I never thought it was possible.  I turned a leaf in my life that day, I chose to live again.
I will always treasure that medal!

Then there is this medal.

It is from the Hibiscus Half in Hawaii.
You know, the race I was SO EXCITED to run during our family trip in May 2013.
Only, then I had a surprise pregnancy with Madison.
And I couldn't risk running a half so far away from my doctor at that point in my pregnancy.
So this medal came from my amazing Mom!
She continued training for the race, even knowing I couldn't do it with her.
Then at the finish line...after a GRUELING race, she told me she ran the race for me.

Seriously!  That is my mom, folks!  She trained and trained, dealt with yucky humidity that she wasn't used to running in, and never quit just so she could give me the medal I so badly wanted.

I will treasure that medal forever, knowing the sacrifice she made for me!

While these 2 medals are some of my most prized possessions, the medal I received Saturday trumps them.

I came home from my half to be given this.

There are many days I have terrible self talk.
There are many days I think I'm not enough.
There are many days I wish I was stronger, faster, thinner, happier, craftier, a better mom, a better wife, a better friend.

But what this showed me was that in my daughters eyes, I am enough.

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I wanna be 

In my daughter's eyes

"In My Daughter's Eyes"

Sung by Martina McBride