What an Amazing Inaugural 5K!
I personally could not have asked for a better day on Sunday, March 1.
We had perfect weather and a beautiful sunrise. We had 473 runners and walkers who woke up before dawn, grabbed flashlights and headlamps, and showed up for something meaningful.
I had an incredible co-chair, Nicola Ross. I had a brilliant “honorary co-chair”, Evy Stein. Friends from college flew in from all over the country to participate. Izzy and her friends traveled from UNC to be there. I saw old friends and met new ones. I loved watching members of Nashville’s medical community run and walk alongside their patients.
So many people came together for the cause.
Our first annual, Into the Light 5K, was extraordinary; but I found myself in an inexplicable funk for the days after the event.
I remember feeling the same way after our first Illumination event last spring. Everything had gone so well. The Goldfinch Foundation was gaining momentum. People were connecting. The mission was working and the community was growing.
So why did I feel sad?
The answer of course is simple.
Owen.
Every success with the Goldfinch exists because of a loss that will always be immeasurable. I miss him. I miss his smile. I miss his laughter. I miss his presence.
As I thought more deeply about the event last Sunday morning, I realized that Owen may have been present after all.
…when a group of high school boys stayed after the Thursday night packet pickup party to help us pack up and reload the car
“Can I help you load your car, Dr. Willers?”, they asked.
Owen would have offered to help too.
…when I saw Charlie running the 5K in American flag overalls, or when Ben and Banks crossed the finish line in their strongman costumes
Owen would have loved wearing a ridiculous costume for the run.
…when I saw the MBA students, along with Brandy and Nicola, cheering on the runners at the finish line
Owen would have joined in the congratulations.
…when Warner stepped in at the last minute to emcee the event
Owen might have been nervous, and not entirely enthusiastic, but he would have stepped up to help if I asked.
Finally, when I heard the birds that morning as Justin Lawson was singing Learning to Fly by Tom Petty, I had to pause. The birds were so loud, at first it seemed they were competing with Justin…then I realized that they were singing with him.
Owen was not physically there with us on March 1, but his spirit was present all around.
Hanging with the fellas.
Cheering us on.
Reminding all of us to keep moving forward.
Into the Light.
