finish lines and freedom…

City streets sang as the starter gun splashed the morning awake,
the 8K runners surging into motion,
a bright and feathered circus rolling around the bend
and from sight,
this grinning mother waiting with ready camera
for my brave girl to cross another finish line.

As I walked the sidewalk,  waiting, 
a city garden snored,
sleeping in the early winter shadow
cast by brick and stone

and my heart was caught up in the fierce beauty
of another quiet race
and I drew near to watch timid, tender faces
reaching from dark places
and I was stirred to cheering for us all.

You GO,
with your sweet quiet courage,
breaking out of shadow 
into wholeness,
into yes-to-who-you-are-ness,
into light.

This quiet little race dazzles my heart
and I’m bathed in hope
and sent soaring back down the sidewalk
toward finish lines
and freedom
and my own next steps forward.

Thanksgiving was a beautiful time for me,  even with the giant Peter-sized hole and a head swimmy with cold.  Loving and lifting you all as we head into this last turn of the year….that we all finish strong with sweet peace and swelling hope. 
Cheering wildly in your corner,
Jennifer

19 Comments

  1. rachel awes on November 28, 2011 at 7:07 am

    always too cheering in your corner, sweet friend.
    love running, xox

  2. Otto von Münchow on November 28, 2011 at 7:10 am

    That was an intense splash of colours. I love the pictures and the words in the post. Fun.

  3. Louise G on November 28, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Your heart
    so beautiful and full
    missing pieces surrounded
    in Love
    radiates

    the world radiates
    in the wake of
    your passing

  4. Bren on November 28, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Sounds like an inspiring Thanksgiving, so glad you and your family were able to enjoy all the moments big and small. I’m sure your son felt the love even though he couldn’t be there. Blessings to the whole family as you all sacrifice for love and liberty.

  5. Anyes - Far Away in the Sunshine on November 28, 2011 at 9:58 am

    Those flowers heading towards the light are so inspiring, Jennifer. Thank you for having taken the time to share them with us. Hugging you and sending you more courage to face your every days 🙂

  6. Anne on November 28, 2011 at 11:21 am

    It’s so “you” to have seen those brave beautiful flowers and then shared them with us. Big hug and prayers for FAST recovery!

  7. kamana on November 28, 2011 at 11:26 am

    wishing you a speedy recovery my friend.

  8. Kel on November 28, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    “a city garden snoring”

    this delightful line captured my attention this morning along with your photo of a yellow rose

  9. Lynn on November 28, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    The poem. So lovely. And that poppy! Oooooh! I L♡VE poppies!
    Thanks for the sunshine and smiles on this cold grey day.

  10. Connie Smiley on November 28, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Ah, Jennifer, your words are packed with such beauty! I’m pulling with you for a good finish, but in the meantime, please drink lots of water and get lots of sleep!

  11. Barbara on November 28, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    Thank you for this! A good reminder that our race is filled with beauty. I have no doubt you’re going to finish it strong with a smile! Sending hugs!

  12. Julia Of Petals and Wool on November 28, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    Ah Jennifer, your post brought back sweet memories of being in Scotland. I know exactly how you felt waiting for your daughter to race to the finish line. I was waiting with my camera in hand for my daughter to come through the huge crowd of runners in the annual women 10 K race in Glasgow, Scotland . What an exhilarating moment that was. It was in May while the rhododendron were in spectacular blossom as opposed to the year end.

    I hope that you take care of yourself and drink plenty of liquid, stay warm and rest well my friend.
    Thanks for leaving a sweet comment on my blog. Hugs, JB

  13. missing moments on November 28, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Your words are beautiful as well as your colorful flowers!

  14. S. Etole on November 29, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I like that … “splashed the morning awake!”

    So much to like in your beautiful images and words.

  15. jeanie on November 29, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Beautiful in every way. I hope by now your cold is much improved. Thank YOU for sharing such beauty with us every day we visit!

  16. kelly on November 29, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    it’s so lovely to see flowers… and what a lovely post, filled with love. Hope you are feeling better soon.
    xoxo

  17. beth on December 1, 2011 at 9:33 am

    isn’t cheering on our adult children so much fun…..

    and are you feeling better now….i hope so 🙂

  18. Maggie Mallard on December 1, 2011 at 10:11 pm

    What a lovely person you are to notice such beauty in even a single flower. I loved reading this and I thought of you guys wondering how the race went.
    Hope your feeling much better by now. Thanks for such beautiful words and pics
    Wanted you to know I am having a long over due giveaway so hope you can enter
    Love
    Maggie

  19. Barb Koob on December 2, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Oh Jennifer…your loveliness always shines through. Not just in pictures and words either. Thanks for brightening my day. Love and hugs to you.

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