A Megsmiles Advent - December 15

A guest post from Dana Taylor:

I had no intention of writing an advent story, as there are so many wonderful people on this site that have incredible stories to share. I have read these stories every morning and have been even more inspired by this group, and I wasn't sure that was possible. 

Meg's story resonated with me immediately, as it did with so many others. I remember on the day of MegsMiles run I was driving through the Fan in Richmond and actually had to pull the car over to the side of the road and cry. To see so many folks decked out in blue, wearing their bibs, was more than I could handle. Fast forward several months later, and after occasional posting and pretty constant lurking, I got to meet so many of you in Richmond. 

About that same time, I started experiencing some difficulties in my life - ones that don't need to be discussed, but that have had a pretty decent emotional impact on me. Every day, when I look at posts on the site, I see a caring group of people who have become my friends. Ones that make me laugh at a time I didn't believe a had a laugh to spare. I see folks paying it forward through the now famous DD beanies, and that warms my heart. I see Meg's friends and family, who continue to press on, and I know that what I am dealing with is so minor in comparison. By the way, a hug from Pamela Cross has healing properties - the hugs I got at the expo and after the race meant more than she will ever know. 

So thank you to everyone in this group who inspires and lifts me constantly, and to Meg, for bringing us all together. Her legacy of love will continue to flourish through her family and through the many caring people who continue to launch those ripples of kindness.

A guest post from Amy Randolph:

I never met Meg, however, I’ve bonded with her through MegSmiles. When I heard of her last run, the floodgates opened. I have been a runner for 35 years and have run Boston twice, but more importantly, I have two children of my own and a wonderful husband who runs, also. We run together almost every day, just as Scott and Meg once did. That could have been my husband! That could have been me! It really hit me hard.

Last January, I was burdened with my nephew’s death from brain cancer the previous October and dealing with my Grandfather’s terminal illness and my brother’s pancreatic cancer (both passed this year) on top of my sister spiraling down the path of heroin addiction and homelessness. My problems were so close to me that I couldn’t deal with them and I couldn’t cry, however, Meg opened that door for me and allowed me to mourn. Boy! Did I cry! At the time, I was so confused of why I could cry for someone (and for a family) I never knew, but not for the people in my own life who had died or who were dying or suffering. MegSmiles was therapy for me at the beginning, but now it’s a place I go to for inspiration, for joy, for hope and for love. It’s such an uplifting page filled with encouragement and support about running and about living a life filled with love for one another. 

Meg has inspired me on my runs, but also, MORE IMPORTANTLY to help people instead of running. When you are a runner, like I am, running can become selfish. So, I’ve given up some of my weekend runs to help others and the reward is so much greater. I challenge you to run for Meg, but also GIVE UP A RUN when you can to help others around you who are in need. Spread the love and make Meg smile!

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.