Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Cerys

Stillbirth run dedication

It was my honor to dedicate Sunday’s early morning long run to a beautiful girl, Cerys.  As I began my run, holding Cerys close to my heart, it was like we were the only ones awake on the planet.  The sun was bright and enthusiastically welcomed us to the trail.  The birds sang their hello and Cerys and I were on our way, ready to discover a new adventure.  The cicadas cheered us on the whole run, their songs echoing in the quiet forest and through the open fields. 

Even early, the sun grew hot.  I sought reprieve in some shady nooks and found a charming wall covered in ivy.  Even so, the sun managed to slip in between trees to find us.  I loved this because Cerys brought so much brightness to my run, and filled my heart and soul with warmth and light.

When I received Cerys’ dedication request, love overcame me.  I had an overwhelming feeling of the family’s love for Cerys and Cerys’ love for others.  I felt connected to her right away, and thoughts of her instantly warmed my heart.  I was inspired by her love to write her name on an ivy leaf, which nature created as a perfect heart.  The sense of love I felt when thinking about sweet Cerys filled my soul and powered me through many miles of brilliant sunlight.

Cerys’s mother, Lorien, shared this about her story:

“My daughter Cerys was stillborn, leaving behind her identical twin sister Lea to face life alone without her sister. Maybe she gave her life so Lea could survive, we'll never know. I will never stop loving her.”
I am inspired by Lorien’s strength because she had to nurture life despite experiencing the greatest tragedy.  Lorien’s love for both children shines brightly like beams from the sun and has touched so many people.

As I finished the last stretch of my run, I let the sun that Cerys brought me invigorate and fuel my final miles.  Time with Cerys lit up my soul and truly warmed my heart.  Her memory and her mother’s strength will continue to be an inspiration to me for many years to come. 

About run to heal:

I run to heal.  It’s where I learn to hold my grief in my heart as love.  It’s where I practice putting one foot in front of another.  It’s where I honor Quinn and other babies who are gone too soon from stillbirth, miscarriage, or neonatal death.  In preparation for my first 
Mother’sDay as a parent to both a living and dead child, I asked my friends and community to dedicate a workout to Quinn.  This was a powerful, soulful, and healing experience.  I felt lifted up and loved by the community.  I was humbled that so many people carried Quinn’s spirit with them.  I hope to accompany others on their journey after child loss and hold them and their son or daughter in my heart.  It is an opportunity for me to honor their child and learn their story.  Together, we will learn how to put one foot in front of the other and run to heal.  Dedicate a run here

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