I crossed the finish line!
I am a triathlete!
I still can't feel my arms or my legs!
But it was worth EVERY MINUTE!!!!!!!
and yes, it changed my life. As overused and cliché as that saying is, it has never been more true for me.
The definition of "change" may be different for every woman who crossed that finish line, but for me, it goes something like this:
To Betty: Thank you for the push, thank you for being one of the coolest chicks I have ever met. I hope I am as young and vibrant at 66 as you are.
To Alyse: I have never been so honored to call you my friend as I was watching you tread water next to Katrina in the pool. Thank you for having enough courage for all of us and then some. Do you even realize what you have done? Thank you for believing in us when we forgot how to believe in ourselves.
To Katrina: Although we have never met, I watched you (along with my 8 year old daughter) swim in the pool. I have never felt such admiration and love for a stranger in my life. And as tears poured down my cheeks (kinda how they are right now) my daughter asked, "Why are you crying Mommy? Is that girl your friend?" "I don't know her, but I "know" her...I am crying because she is the last athlete in the pool and she will NOT GIVE UP. I am crying because what you are witnessing Mattie is PURE GUTS. PURE DETERMINATION. Just a few months ago she was scared to swim, but look what she is doing now...women are strong Mattie. So so strong. You will see..." Congratulations Katrina YOU DID IT.
To Molly and Beth: Thank you for being my mentors, my friends, my support! Although every time I saw you together it made me ache for my own sisters and their companionship, it also reminded me how sacred having a sister is, and what a gift it is that we take for granted. You are both such incredible, strong women - the world is better for having you in it. Don't ever forget it! Your mother would be so proud. I hope my two daughters grow up to be just like you.
To Lorraine: You were right. It's ok to give myself permission to put myself first. It's ok to be scared - it makes you stronger. I will never forget your hug as I marched into the pool. Thanks for holding my hand - and all my phone calls and meetings and emails and art requests and ...
To Matt: I was asked a million times - how are you fitting all this training in with your career, kids, and busy life??? I just smiled and said, "His name is Matt." I love you. You seriously have no idea....
To Sharon: I was asked a million times - how are you fitting all this training in with your career, kids, and busy life??? I just smiled and said, "Her name is Sharon." You are the best wife EVER.
To everyone who keeps asking me what my time was and where I placed: I still have not checked the results page, but don't you get it? I ALREADY WON.
To my Ciabatta Roll and Jimmy Dean Sausage Arms: C U LATER ALLIGATOR!
and finally, and most importantly, to the girl I once knew, Jacqueline Anne Savage McFee, I'm glad we found each other. I forgot how much I missed you. I hope we stay friends for a long time.
With Love From Me to My Triathlon,
Jackie
Struggling on the bike!
Beth, me, Amber, and Molly
The McFees minus baby Jack!
the view out my front door a few hours after the race..seriously..I can't make this sh*t up! The perfect rainbow to end a perfect day : )
