Wendy Garrett, had a dream to run the Boston Marathon. She hardly dared verbalize her desire but set a goal to qualify at the Portland Marathon.  Wendy moved to Oregon in hopes of training as she helped take care of her sister who was fighting cancer.  As Wendy crossed the finish line at the Portland Marathon, she was disappointed that she couldn’t claim the BQ (Boston Qualifier).  Soon after the race, she found out that she had qualified in the mobility impaired division.  Wendy Garrett is paralyzed from her left knee down.

Though she was thrilled to finally fulfill her dream to run the Boston Marathon, it was a very bitter sweet moment as now her sister had taken a turn for the worse.  After a short time, her sister passed away.

  Grief over took Wendy, she couldn’t find the motivation to train for the Boston Marathon. Would she be able to run it?  After some time, she realized that running strengthened her and helped her cope. Three weeks before the marathon, Wendy had a scare with her knee and was told by doctors not to walk or run until the marathon.

In her own words,

“So it was the biggest race of my life and I had no idea if I would even make it halfway,” Garrett said. “My knee started hurting at mile two, and my left leg was in extreme pain. I didn’t know if I could finish as I saw all the medical tents along the way, but then when I saw the sign that said one mile left, I realized I was 10 minutes away from accomplishing my biggest dream, and I’d crawl if I had to.”

Wendy Garrett crossed the finish line, and this is her mantra:

(Read Wendy Garret’s full story HERE)

  We all have “disabilities” or “struggles”, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual– I mean raw struggle. It may be  visible to the eye, or  vaulted deep within us.  What is  holding you back from reaching your greatest potential or goal?

My Struggle

I have too many to count, just spend some time with me.   One constant struggle  is “perfection”.  I want it… now. We all know perfection is not possible as human beings. We all have that “Never ending, open gaping, wound of improvement.”(-M.B.T.) I know this.  Yet, it continues… I try so hard and still fall short.  I just turned 30, and am just now starting to feel okay — more at peace and accepting of my imperfections.  I wouldn’t be me without them.  (If you struggle with perfection, read THIS)

My Encouragement

   Two of my biggest fans have passed away now.  These two people always encouraged me in my running and physical goals every time I saw them— my aunt Carolyn and my Grandpa Romney. They were both physically disabled in this life but they LOVED to hear all about my races and other physical endeavors. When I run, I feel close to them. I know that they can run now, and they are running with me. Carolyn is still yelling “Go Lollypop!” and Grandpa is still pinching my cheeks, “Go Wa Wa!”

   “Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don’t be immobilized by them, because some of them will be your companions until you depart this earth life.” -Jorg Klebingat

*What are some of your struggles in life? Or as a mom?  What has helped you to overcome them?