What a surprise!

I have no doubt that I have the best job in the world. I work as a speech-language pathologist with children ages 3-5 in an early childhood special education setting. The kids say and do the greatest things. Everyday I get to play (reminds me just how much we should live life like a three-year-old: they honestly have it figured out). It's also the people I work with ... by far, some of the most dedicated professionals. I'm constantly learning from them and feel blessed to be a part of such a talented group of educators.

Today, they gave me a surprise that I'll never forget. On my way up to our monthly luncheon, I entered the hallway to find all of them standing to the side, holding posters, cheering and chanting. They had set up the hallway to resemble a race. As I ran past, they cheered and I even got to run through the ribbon at the finish line (it felt as great as I always imagined it would). Because I chose a marathon so far away, they wanted to make sure that they were able to show their support. Did they ever!

Not only did they make posters, create a race, but they also made me motivational cards and placed them on a ring so that I can read them if I need some inspiration during the marathon.

Here's what a few of the cards said:
-You go, girl
-I am so proud of you! You are such an inspiration to me. 26.2 cross the finish line and celebrate
-Best of luck on your upcoming marathon. You are truly an inspiration to us all. I am so lucky to have you as a friend and co-worker.
-R (really fast) U (ur awesome) N (Niagara falls). Good luck, you will do great!
-"You can do anything if you have enthusiasm" - Henry Ford.
-You have more enthusiasm for life than anyone I know, which means you are going to do great. Have fun and make sure to really enjoy this amazing accomplishment.
-Keep up the race
-You rock, Miss Marena, you are the best
-Best of luck! You will do great! Have fun!
-Don't stop running, Marena. I'll be watching you! (inside joke that had me laughing for quite a while)
-What kind of crazy nut would spend 2-3 hours a day just running?
-A lot of people run to see who is fastest. I run to see who has guts.
-Marena, it gives me blue thoughts knowing that you're running a marathon! If you can run a marathon, you can pretty much do anything! You should be so proud of yourself for getting to this place. Good luck!!!
-3 years ago, you would have laughed if I told you I'd be running a marathon, but guess what ... you are doing it!
-"Only as high as I can reach, can I grow. Only as far as I seek, can I go. Only as deep as I look, can I see. Only as much as I dream, can I be." - Karen Ravn
-Always remember you are unique, just like everyone else
-"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham, running speaker and writer
-So proud of you, Marena
-Kick some major bootie, girl. Girls rock! You're awesome!
-Just say, "Now I can put a 26.2 sticker on my car."
-Go, Marena! Your family and friends are so proud of you. Even if we aren't there, don't cry (related to a very hilarious story where I tried to encourage a runner that didn't find me to very helpful).
-You go, girl!
-Best of luck, Marena. Have a great trip!

I can't begin to express how much it all meant to me. What an incredible moment to experience! I won't forget it!