A Megsmiles Advent - December 3

Guest post from LaShell Head:

The "story of Meg" for me has consistently pointed back to the realization that there is goodness still left in this world, which often seems so dark and cruel. That reality became most apparent in Richmond, though it has been woven through the words and gestures of the Support Group members for months. And sitting on a pew beside a strong, but still grieving mother just a few short weeks ago is a strong reminder to me daily that life is short. I strive to love more, hurt less, and focus on the real meaning of joy and peace in my life. God, family. The little things....the things that matter! 

And as always, since January, I push to #runmegstrong.

Guest post from Sabrina Civils:

It all started in 8th grade civics class at Chickahominy Middle School. I remember Meg was sitting in front of me and turned around that first day of class. She knew I was the new student and said, "Hi, I'm Meg, what's your name?" If I recall correctly, Scott Menzies was in the same class. From then on we remained friends the remaining of 8th grade, all through high school, drifted off a bit after high school, and reconnected again. 

During high school, I was encouraged to join the track team by my PE teacher, as well as Meg. I joined the team, but I was a sprinter. Meg, as we all know, was a distance runner. I remember her determination and will to always strive to do her best, no matter what. If she didn't have the greatest meet, she didn't let that phase her, as she would improve on the next one. As time went on, after high school, we all drifted apart. I look back on it and wish we didn't, but life does happen. I would always run into her out and about and we would always catch up like we were in high school again, it was always great to see her! 

I remember one moment, about 3 1/2 years ago. You could see the love in Scott and Meg during my sister's wedding to Meg's cousin. I wanted to capture the moment, which I did, and I'm sure you all have seen the picture floating around. They were just two beautiful people. Again, we all caught up about everything and the kiddos during that time, which was beautiful. I wish we can have those moments back! 

Meg provided me with encouragement before signing up for the Monument Avenue 10K last year. I spoke with her and she told me that I should sign up and that I didn't have to make this a race, but to just fun to have fun until I built up my momentum again. Her words just stuck with me, and they still do today! I didn't realize that would be the last time I would speak with her. 

Meg was always the person who would bring people together. She has been like that since I met her that 1st day of 8th grade civics. She is bringing people together now, from all over the world! Friendships have been created and the bond that has been shared is something that I have never seen before. The Meg's Miles Supporters page has been a true sediment of who Meg was bringing people together. The stories of people starting to run and for those returning have been quite encouraging to me. I'm a returning runner. I've been at it, here and there, this past year, but more so this past week. I may not be running like I used to be, but I'm getting there, one foot at a time. 

Reading the amazing stories of everybody around the world, their encouragement, their inspiration, their injuries, and how they got right back up, has been more than inspiring to me. After watching and cheering from the sidelines at the Richmond Marathon, it gave me more encouragement and inspiration to start back up again! Well, I have signed up for the HCA 8K during the Marathon, maybe upgrading to the half (we shall see how training goes), and will be signing up again for the Monument Avenue 10K. Thank you Meg! Thank you for our friendship, your encouragement for me to get back out there and do what I used to do! I miss you every single day! I know you're smiling at us and what has been created! I also know that you're running in paradise with our Heavenly Father. You have always been a beautiful person, inside and out. I will always remember you and remember your encouraging words to me. I love you my friend!

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.