As a little girl I dreamt about what my life would be like when I grew up. I remember playing this game called M.A.S.H.
Here’s how to play:
You get a piece of paper and choose your categories.
Basic M.A.S.H. consists of only four categories:
M.A.S.H. (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House)
People to Marry
Number of Kids
Type of Car
You write down four options under each category, then you choose your number and eventually you eliminate all but one under each category.
And there you have it, everything you need to know about your future.
Am I the only kid who played this game??
The sad thing is under each category was the best of the best. Unrealistic!! You grow up thinking that your life will only be “perfect” if you can somehow manage to end up with all these things. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having nice things! Someone once told me, “Don’t apologize for the blessings of God in your life.” God is so good and He gives way more than we deserve, there’s no doubt about that. What happens when the “perfect” life turns out different than you dreamt??
You know what I’ve found out? Different is SCARY!!!
We were devastated when minutes after Karsyn was born the doctor told us that he suspected she has Down Syndrome. My mind immediately went back to a few weeks earlier when I looked at my precious family and said “Look, Matt how beautiful they all are, just one more and our family will be perfectly complete.” I can promise you my idea of perfect was not for our baby to have Down Syndrome. I can’t explain to you the overwhelming feeling of grief. The dreams that we walked in with that day changed in a moment. We were thrown into a whole new world full of unknowns!!
I know I never wrote down on that piece of paper that I wanted a child with special needs. I’m not sure anyone wishes that for themselves.
Why is different so scary?? It shouldn’t be!!!
I think different is better!
I’ve said hundreds of times in the past 3 years, “Karsyn has changed our family for the better!!” Our family would not be perfect without her!! She is the most amazing little girl you will ever meet! I promise if you are blessed enough to have her in your life you will agree that she makes it better!
I know you are probably asking yourself, “What does this have to do with running?”
I’m glad you asked!!
Because of Karsyn, we have been introduced to so many people and opportunities that we would never have known existed. Recently, we were introduced to an incredible organization called Ainsley’s Angels. The “Angels” (runners) push the “Captains” (individuals with disabilities) in local races. What a great experience to run alongside these amazing people!!! It’s life changing!! So far Karsyn has run in 2 races, we love it!!! She is my INSPIRATION. She has to work so hard to do so many things we take for granted, yet she never quits and never complains!! I have decided to start running with the same attitude that she lives every day.
This past Saturday we ran the Contraband 5-miler. I loved that I was able to run with Karsyn, but I was very disappointed in myself. I’ve been running for 5 months, and I’m really not getting any better.
After the race I asked my friend Michelle, “Why am I not getting better??” I seriously think Michelle missed her calling in life (not really she rocks at her job) but she is also a great motivator. She always says something that helps me, and probably more than she ever intended. So let me share her response to my question, “You know why? It’s partly because you let yourself quit too easy, and partly because you haven’t learned to hurt. Running is hard, it’s nothing but your brain, heart, legs and lungs fighting with the pavement. There’s no back up; no one to tag team, no one to get your back, no way to coast and catch your breath. It’s just you and your inner demons vs. your inner drive. Running reveals what you’re made of like no other sport because you are all you have to rely on. If you want to get better, you have to dig deep inside and see what’s there. It’s the same amazing woman who bore and is raising 6 amazing kids. It’s in there YOU JUST WON’T LET IT OUT!!!!! Your constant use of the words “I CAN’T” is the core of your struggle. Change that and everything else will fall in place.”
Okay, so I’m taking her words of wisdom and I’m using my sweet little girl as all the inspiration and example I need. I CAN do this!!!! I CAN get better!!
Run with Me 