I read an article today that just this past weekend, a woman died, mysteriously, on my regular running trail. Skimming through the article, I tried to skip over any description of where, at what trail marker, the police found her body. I went running on that trail tonight. There were no lit candles set up by the trail, no photographs, not even police tape to indicate that a woman's life was ended
here on this very spot. And as it does so often when I run, my mind wandered. Was it as bone-chillingly cold when she was running - so cold that it smells like firewood, decomposing leaves and snow? Was the trail as empty as it was tonight and did she only have her own rhythmic footfalls for company? Was she in that meditative state that running pushes you into or was she also distracted by her plans for the day ahead, her plans for the new year?
A life had passed, just as another runner does, passing "on your left." So quickly and suddenly it doesn't even register in your mind. It's outside of your realm of thought, out of your field of vision, in a few brief moments. Dear runner, this is the virtual prayer candle I'm lighting for you and your memory this cold January night.
Thoughtfully written sweetie.
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It's scary how quickly we come and go, isn't it? Suddenly all the important things we do everyday just stop and don't matter. It really makes think, doesn't it?
ReplyDeletebeautifully written. I hope she passed fast and painless. strange how removed we are from death though, isn't it...
ReplyDeleteThis was written so beautifully. It's odd to think about how many lives we wander past daily that just go unnoticed when they come or go. It reminds me of just how I'm such a small part of such a big universe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for honoring her life here today, Rooth. Thinking about you here and there, as well.
ReplyDeleteThat's sad but really nice that you have taken the time to remember her. Most people are so consumed with their daily life that they don't think to remember things like this.
ReplyDeleteRIP to that runner:( What a sad thing to happen, esp. during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteso hauntingly scary.. and so thoughtful to pay respects to her and honoring a life of a stranger. be careful out there.
ReplyDeleteKinda scary... hopefully it wasn't under... law and order sort of circumstances.
ReplyDeletethere are times when people feel alone, you've probably been there, i have been there, and you wonder if anyone thinks of you, cares . . . you know those sort of thoughts. this is such a lovely answer to that. yes. we aren't alone. there is always someone to think about us, you never know whose heart you touch even if your path hasn't officially crossed. we are all connected. (and yes, you be careful out there!) xo
ReplyDeletesad times, it is really sweet of you to take out the time to honour her on here <3
ReplyDeleteyour new year resolution is great, I think I will take it up for myself too!
Katrina Sophia Blog
Gosh, I'd be so scared to keep running on that same trail. Just be safe, ok??
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful and kind post. It's so easy to forget how fragile and delicate life really is. One minute you're doing something as routine as running and the next, you're gone. I hope it wasn't anything tragic or violent that ended the run for her, rather that it was a peaceful passing while doing something she (hopefully) enjoyed. Be careful on your runs my friend. :)
ReplyDeletexo
This must really be hard on her family and friends. Here, fine, and then gone. I hope she passed quickly and naturally. It's very thoughtful of you to pay your respects to the passing of a stranger. As someone else commented, we are all connected...it would be nice if more people showed that through their actions the way you do.
ReplyDeletePS - Be careful!!!
Beautifully written and kind of scary. Life can be over so quickly.
ReplyDeleteWhoa. It's pretty scary to read this when I read a joke about dying by a running trail just a few hours ago. It's quite unsettling.
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that's so sad to die suddenly and alone like that :(
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely tribute, but it also freaks me out a little bit. Do be careful!
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