Marie

About 5 years ago I got a Facebook message from my friend Rick asking for advice on behalf of another friend who had just qualified for the Boston Marathon and was making her first trek to run those famous 26.2 miles.  He sent me her name and contact information.  I texted her, messaged her and set up a time to meet her at the Boston marathon expo.  It was there I met Marie Murray.

Our 2015 Epic Relay Team.  Marie is in the center, joyful as always.  We ran for her.  

It was a quick visit.  She and her husband wanted to go on a Duck Tour.  I was in search of pizza at the North End.  We chatted a bit and parted ways.  Little did I know the impact this woman would have on my life.

Isn't that how it goes?  One small moment can change us in lasting ways.  Over the next few years I would run many relay races with Marie.  We were Huntsman Hometown Heroes together.  In fact, it was her cancer story that was the final push I needed to join this special team.  Diagnosed with breast cancer almost ten years ago, she seemed to beat the odds.  She was invincible.  Ever positive and full of joy, it seemed unlikely that life could ever leave her.  But it did.  Last night she passed away and we are all a little emptier.

It's weird, this grieving thing.  I'm both sad, but at peace.  I love this girl and I'm sad she's gone.  I'm sad for her family.  I'm sad for us.  I'm sad for her and all she will miss.  But I'm relieved this burden has been lifted.  Cancer sucks.  It just does.  There's no eloquent way to say it.  It sucks.  It seems strange that the world continues on.  It feels like everything should just stop a moment.  But that doesn't happen.  Life goes on, and if Marie taught me anything, it's to make every moment count.  Cherish those you love.  Nurture your gifts and talents and use them to bring joy to others.  Marie did. And that's why her spirit will continue to live on.