A Megsmiles Advent - December 1

Guest post from April Hicks:

I remember hearing about Meg's death and immediately thinking "I know where that is!" And the next thought was "oh her poor babies!" Then, as a mother myself, I thought about her Momma. 

I live just minutes down the road for where she was running. I pass it weekly on my way to the grocery store. That weekend, when everyone gathered to honor her with a run, I also went. Why, I truly can't explain. I remember thinking all week that she was a mother, wife, and a Christian. I remember thinking "I'm all of those things." But I wasn't a runner. Not by a LONG shot. I had started walking 3 days a week when my daughter started preschool. I had the time so I decided to make use of it. After that Saturday I decided that "if Meg can run, then I can run!" She was setting an example for her kids. I could set one for mine. Maybe not the distance that she was doing, but certainly the example. 

And, so it began. The journey. It feels more like a calling, though I don't understand why. I'm certainly not "built like a runner!" I started in January barely being able to run 250 ft without stopping. November 15th I completed the Richmond Half Marathon. Along the way I've met so many people that have changed my life forever. For the better. I never knew Meg but, somehow, I feel as if through the people and love of Meg's Miles I have met her. 

And if that wasn't enough, if you've ever met Scott, you get an even better sense of who she must have been. There is a genuineness there, a true gentleness that could only be mirrored by someone with the same heart. I will forever be grateful to a woman I never met for the love and friendships she brought into my life. And thanks to God for the love, joy, friendship and praise that he has shown to us all through a terrible, unexplainable tragedy.

Guest post from: Kelly Saylor Daily

I found Meg's group through my sister in law. I had just started running again and I thought it would keep me accountable. Meg's group has done so much more for me. Yes, it has held me accountable, but it also lifted me when my Mom died. Lifted me on those days I thought I couldn't get through. It has taught me to believe in myself. To trust God and Friends (whom I will most likely never meet). 

I now run with my head held high. When I run I pray for those I pass, for complete strangers, and those close to me. It has truly opened my heart to God in ways I could never imagine. I also love posting after my run, no matter how good or bad, and getting High Fives from my Meg's family.

My goal for 2015 is to live a life that Meg would be proud of and to keep her legacy alive.

Has your life been impacted by the death of Meg Menzies. Please share your story. 

Since January, thousands of lives have been impacted by the death of Meg Menzies. Many of us have been overwhelmed with sadness. But many of us have also found love and hope and encouragement at a time we needed it most. As we've learned more about who Meg was and accepted the call to share her legacy with the world, the stories of our lives have been forever changed. And we've seen lives around us change. 

If your life has been impacted by Meg's death, I invite you to share your story at the link below. It's my hope our stories will bring comfort and maybe an occasional smile to the Menzies and Cross families who greatly miss Meg, especially so over this holiday season.

Submit your story here.