This weekend my heart has been filled up with gratitude and amazement.  I hosted a fundraiser for the team I am running the NYC Marathon with -- Fred's Team for Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital.  Without the help and support of my friends and family this event would not have been possible.  My Father and Brother planned the games.  My Mom and Aunt prepared the food.  My other Brother manned the grill.  Other aunts and my cousin brought food.  And Another Aunt opened the doors to her house and let us use her backyard for the games.  Friends and family showed up and we had a fantastic game day!  

It takes a community to do great things
It takes asking for help, and accepting the help that others want to give
It takes reaching out, putting it out there, and showing up

We are not meant to travel alone.  Friends and family are always there to lend a hand.  Cheer you on.  And support you in whatever it is you choose to do.  It is a blessing.  This weekend I experienced so much love and support first hand.  My heart is overflowing with gratitude!  

The day following the fundraiser I woke up ready to run 20 miles.  It was the first time I was attempting this distance and I was filled with so much gratitude to carry me through.  As I placed one foot in front of the other I though of all the people who have donated to me.  I pictured my family and friends cheering me on the day of the marathon.  Tears filled my eyes and gratitude poured from my heart.  I became lost in my thoughts and the miles passed by.  

20 miles!  When I first started running I could barely run 3 miles and here I was attempting 20.....and I did it.  I finished 20 miles in 3 hours and 20 mins and I was elated.  It is amazing what one can do when they put there mind to it and show up day after day after day.  I have been showing up.  Doing the hard work.  And today it all paid off.  I finished 20 miles.  

I am so proud of myself and so grateful for my family and friends. Life is short and precious.  Being surrounded by such an amazing group of individuals makes it that much sweeter.  

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has cheered, donated, sent good thoughts, and has helped me out along the way as I venture towards 26.2.  Without everyone I would never make it across that finish line.  It takes a community, yes it does!