Marathon

Monday was Patriot's Day, a Massachusetts holiday. Schools are closed. So are many businesses. It is a day marked by several traditions. The Red Sox always play a home game, well attended by passionate fans. The more well known Patriot's Day tradition (to the rest of the world) is the Boston Marathon.

The course of the race brings it within blocks of our temporary Boston home. The fellows had scoped out opportune spots for photo taking the day before. Tom set out early to be in place between mile marker 25 and the finish line. It turned out to be the ideal spot for capturing not only the physical motion of the race but also the raw emotion that was so plain on many faces.

There was a strong contingent of handicapped "runners". Some were in wheel chairs, some were on contraptions that looked like varied incarnations of recumbent bicycles. Some athletes were able to "pedal" with their legs, some used their hands. There was even a double amputee on two artificial legs, accompanied by "guides" on either side of him. The dedication, determination and pride on the faces of these participants was humbling. The crowd was totally involved, cheering with passion.

Tom took hundreds of pictures. He recorded athletes of all sizes, ages and levels of ability. He documented the winner's faces as they neared the finish line. He captured the pain of those struggling to the end of a long 26+ mile journey; a stitch in the side here, a grimace there. But always the participants rallied as the crowd cheered them on. You can seem to do the impossible when you have a sea of supporters out there.

It feels like we have been through our own marathon recently. We are weary, but in high spirits knowing that the race has been worth running. Each day Kelly gains a little strength. Her bubbly personality has, once again, emerged. Her determination has never flagged. She is in this for the long haul and though the finish line is still a ways off, she will face it with the passion of a marathon runner. You are her cheering crowd. Your cards and messages are like pats on the back, two thumbs up, cheers and whistles. Your support is what is holding us up.

We'll keep on running the good race.