I RUN ... a poem

I took on running at the age of 36 with the most incredible group of women who took me under their wings when I was broken and taught me how to fly.

I was struggling with high blood pressure during the pregnancy from 12 weeks on and continued to have issues even after the loss and delivery of him at just 19 weeks. I was determined to better my health in honor of him and for the sake of my other two children who I am still so very blessed to have in my life. I was reeling from the loss of our child and left to battle postpartum and deep depression with two young children to continue raising. Running became my outlet, my freedom, my time with his spirit and the BEST way for my heart to cry and to heal. Three years later, I'm still running and my heart continues beating in honor of him.

I RUN

I RUN
When I am happy, sad,
Angry, scared, Frustrated
Or overwhelmed.

I RUN
To the sound of my music,
To the beat of my heart,
To the rhythm of my soul,
To the draw of each breath.

I RUN
In honor of my loved ones,
Those who have passed
And those who remain
And for those who are not able.

I RUN
And I pray
To count my blessings
To allow my heart to cry and heal
To free my spirit from chaos
To untangle the stress and refresh
To clear my mind and begin again

I RUN
Because I can
Because I never thought I could
Because tomorrow isn't promised
Because today I am still here

I RUN
Because the most amazing group of women
Took me under their wings when I was broken
And taught me how to fly.

-Tanielle Childers © 2013