What a wonderful day it was for us. To be able to see your child achieve such a huge goal is exciting and wonderful and I could not be prouder of her. Sure, she has run the Chicago Marathon twice - I was equally as proud, but this was New York! She got in the first time she tried - a big accomplishment.
We all stayed at Erin and Hunter's apartment in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. What a great neighborhood to live in. They have a wonderful place that they have worked hard on decorating and they were excited to show us what they had done. We were all quite impressed.
Megan and Chris had stayed in mid-town the night before so that she would be able to catch the bus to the starting point so we didn't see them in the morning before the race. Erin made coffee and we all started to get ready to walk up the street and stand at the curb so we could see her run by. We stood at Bedford and 3rd on the corner - watching and waiting for her to come by so we could cheer her on. Suddenly, the actor Ryan Reynolds and his entourage ran by - "RYAN!", yelled Erin, "WHOO - GO RYAN!" He waved at Erin.
"Ryan Reynolds waved at me - we're having drinks next week." says Erin.
My cell phone rings - it's MEGAN, calling as she runs! She wants to know where we are standing - I tell her and as I try to continue talking to her (what was I thinking - she didn't want to carry on a conversation at that time.) she hangs up.
The phone rings again - "I'm just turning onto Bedford"
"OK", I yell into the phone, how are you?...she's gone again.
We are standing at around mile 10 - email updates are coming up on my cell phone to tell me how her pace is, we think she should be here anytime. Our eyes are scanning the sea of runners for a girl in a kelly green long sleeve shirt. Way to0 many girls wearing kelly green.
In the meantime, a friend of Erin and Hunters comes by with his dog - Riley - who Doug proceeds to try and hump...it's a puppy Doug! Have you no shame! They pull Riley away and Doug continues to air hump - a proud moment for this grandma.
We keep scanning and looking - big waves of people come and go - suddenly - THERE SHE IS! YEA - HOORAY! YEAH MEGAN!
She stops by us and takes off her vest and hands it to me - puts away her phone and readjusts everything she's wearing and then she is gone! Back out into the sea of people she goes - my little girl. My little one that took her time deciding to walk and talk is running in one of the worlds most prestigious races in the world! I get all teary eyed as I watch her go. Is it possibly to be so proud that you feel you are going to just break down and have the biggest cry you've ever had? I was overwhelmed with pride for my girl. What an amazing young woman she has become - and not just for running a race. She is amazing for so many reasons. She is smart and beautiful - she loves her mom and her momma knows it - she loves her family - she has a smart and good man in her life - she is successful - she is driven - she can be crabby and funny at the same time - she is hilarious and I'm pretty sure she has a killer belt voice that we'll probably never hear - she's accomplished in so many things - she's a great photographer - and a wonderful, caring human being. How is this amazing person my child? I don't know, but I am so happy she is.
Off we went back to Erin and Hunters where Erin prepared for us a scrumptious brunch. THAT is another thing - Erin is a great cook and a wonderful host! The meal was amazing! The cauliflower frittata - delicious. The onion, rosemary and leek flatbread - shut up about it! Everything was wonderful. Erin created such a wonderful atmosphere for us to celebrate Megan and for her to come back to after her triumphant finish. My girls - my world - my life. Two incredible women that each bring something completely different to me and to our family. I wouldn't wish anything better for either of them. They are happy and loved and what more could a mother ask for?
So, while being unemployed can be refreshing - it can also be rewarding. I am rewarded daily by the reminder that I have two of the most brilliantly talented daughters in the world. They're the reason I go on - the reason I make the choices I do - my reason for everything. I love and adore them more and more each day.
Congratulations Megan - you did it! You never have to do it again if you don't want to.
Congratulations Erin - you made a wonderful weekend for your family - we are grateful and proud of you and we are so looking forward to your wedding to Hunter.
Congratulations Mr. Hayes and Hunter for choosing my girls - you have two of the finest women at your side. You are lucky men indeed and we are lucky to have the two of you.
One big event down - next, the wedding of the year! Gotta go to the gym to get ready for a different type of marathon!
