Guest post from Deanna Dunnavant: I met Meg at church. We would pass in the halls and speak. Even when I didn't really know her, I wanted to know her. She was different and there was a joy that I was drawn to. God allowed our paths to cross when she accepted the preschool Sunday School director position that I had previously held. I was able to train her and then work side by side with her as I held a new position. We had so many great conversations. We talked about raising our kids, cooking, gardening, and running. I have always felt like a failure when it comes to running. I told her that and she encouraged me and gave me sound advice. We talked of her races and I was in awe. She was nothing but humble. I would have never known about all of her running if I hadn't asked. She never talked about it. We talked about her chickens when she would bring eggs in for friends at church. She was so excited when Scott got her a pig for her birthday. She could not wait! :) We worked in a resource room upstairs at church and when she was out of the room, I would hear animal noises coming from her phone. I miss that sound terribly. Every Sunday, I looked forward to our talks because we connected. Meg always made me feel joy. We were also able to work together on the children's choir Christmas play. I have never laughed so hard. We were able to share with one another while sitting through practices and realized we had so much in common. She was so genuine and listened to everything I said. After we finished, she told me that she was so glad we were able to spend that time together. A month later, she went to heaven. Meg changed my life. Every morning I wake up and look at my husband and my 3 boys and I thank God for them. I look at life with a different perspective. Make every moment count. Meg was a great mom. She was always looking to do fun things with her kids and make them feel loved. I also wake up everyday and think of Meg and that overwhelming joy that I felt every time I was around her. I want that. I, too have drawn closer to God. He is so good. And of course, I wake up everyday and try my very best to work out. When it gets hard, I think of Meg and hear her words of encouragement. She never made me feel like a failure. She wanted me to take small steps and keep on keeping on. I try to do that in exercise and in missing my friend. I am so grateful to God for crossing our paths. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of a memory that makes me smile. I can't wait to see her again one day. Guest post from Kimberly Kidd: I've never had the privilege to meet Meg, but wish I had. When I first heard of her tragedy while out running it broke my heart, because I too am a runner. It hit close to home. Thinking this could happen to me or anyone I know, it made me more aware during my runs and I began wearing brighter clothing. As time passed though, I began to ask myself - what was so different about Meg than many other runners who've been hit? Then I became more aware of Meg and her love for God and I knew that was it! That's what has set her apart and that love was bringing all of us together. I realize now that it's not my running that defines me, but how I run for God that defines me. Through Meg, this group of heroes, meeting Megs family, I run a bit closer to God and with a purpose. Hebrews 12:1 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.
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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. Guest post from Dianne Crocker: I’ve known (and felt) the power of running for some time—that we get out of it what we put in. But until very recently, I didn’t realize that running’s power goes well beyond that. In June 2013, my very dear friend lost her husband at 46 to a heart attack on the NYC commuter train. He left for work one day and never came back. It was crushing. For the first time in my life, I experienced grief in a physical way for her and for the 3-year old he left behind. My friend found running as she heals, and we’ve done a few 5k’s together with her wearing his golf hat. Six months after that tragedy, I learned about Meg Menzies. Although I didn’t know her, I felt that same pain deep in my gut. It was another crippling reminder of how fragile life can be. For me, motherhood was never a foregone conclusion as it is for other women. Yet after five fun years of marriage, I got the best surprise gift that I never even knew I wanted in the form of my son, now 7. Four years later, I was twice blessed when I got pregnant with my daughter (3). So news of this young mother’s loss hit me like a ton of bricks, the way it did thousands of other mothers across the U.S. who just cannot fathom a scenario where they were no longer here for their children. Since then, the impact that this incredible #megsmiles group has had on me is not trivial. It’s not an overstatement to say it defines my existence. I visit Meg’s world at #megsmiles every day (often multiple times). Yes, I’ve made running a more regular part of my life, but as I tell my friends/family, it goes WAY past that. I am consumed with squeezing the most from every day. I didn’t really take my children for granted before, but my hugs, kisses and “I love you's now are longer and more meaningful now. I give much more thought to the kind of life I lead, the impact I’m having, whether I can do more (yes), and how I might be remembered if today were my last. So this Advent, there are a lot of little things that are new for me. I’m more likely to give the kids a dollar to put in the Salvation Army bucket at the store. I’m more likely to go to church more (more than never, that is). I’m more likely to grab angels off the tree at church to buy gifts for needy children. I’m more likely to give unexpected gifts to a few people who made my year more special. I’m trying to be less like Sally and more like Linus this Christmas. There’s a “we’re in this great journey together” mentality that pervades #megsmiles. And a deep kindness among runners who have never met (many of whom post-Richmond now feel like close friends). #megsmiles has taught me to be more grateful to be alive. It has taught me to push outside of my comfort zone. To not waste energy letting petty grievances gnaw at me. To look for ways to show compassion and make a difference in someone’s life. #megsmiles is also where I go to process a world that can take unimaginable turns. Meg’s loss was this runner’s gain, and that both aches and feels incredible. I am committed to doing my first half in Richmond as much as I am committed to bringing the compassion of Advent into my life every other month of the year. Love to all of you! Guest post from Anna Dwinger: When I heard about Meg Menzie's accidental death, January 13, 2014, I was currently on leg rest due to a stress fracture that I got while training for my first full marathon. A friend of Meg's sent out a note to all the Mom's Run This Town groups across the country and asked if we would run on Jan 18th in her memory and to hash tag photos with #MegsMiles. I was ready to go for my first run on my leg since the Dr. put me on rest, so I thought it would be a wonderful and meaningful way to spend that run. So I agreed to dedicate my miles that day to Meg and her family. Interesting thing happened that day as I ran those 13.5 pain free miles. I spent time in prayer and in worship. It ended up opening my eyes to the fact that my running was a time I could dedicate to God. I could meditate on worship songs, I could pray for other people, and running could become something more than just me. I was running a marathon to raise money for Melanoma research, in memory of my brother Paul and his wife Ruth... which was meaningful in and of itself. But to turn running into a time to be with God was even more significant. Maybe Meg was there giving me a nudge in that direction. Later I read a couple articles where her husband Scott was interviewed, and he mentioned that the most important thing Meg would want others to know is that she was a Christian and to share her faith with them. I share the same heart, to share my faith with others and to show them Christ. I immediately felt a stronger connection with Meg. Although I never even knew her personally she and I share so many similarities. A Mom, a loving wife, a runner, a Christian... and that type of accident could happen to anyone of us during a morning run on a quiet road. Her story helps me to remember safety every time I lace up my shoes and head out the door. And the Facebook group that grew out of this tragedy, called The Meg's Miles Supporters, is a place of inspiration and support. A place where seasoned runners cheer on new runners and welcome them into the running community with open arms. And we all cheer each other on for each mile completed. each on our own journey, but woven together in unity because of one woman. It's an amazing group of people, out of which I have made several friends. And I love being a part of it. I never knew Meg, but she has touched my life, and the life of so many others. I am blessed to help keep her memory alive with every mile. And I'm honored to carry the torch for Christ in her place, as best I can. 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. 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. Guest post from: Judi Zimmerman I never knew Meg. I may have met Scott when I was working in the ER at MRMC several years ago because the ER has such contact with law enforcement .....but who knows....Any way-my Advent story is one of accepting who and where I am now. I have been a runner for several years, was getting pretty competitive with my times and having lots of fun. Then injury sidelined me for most of a year. I worked my way through that and fought to get my run back. Once again, I had some decent times and was having lots of fun-so I decided to run the marathon. My run fell apart. Nothing helped. Not volume increases or cut backs, not cross training with yoga or regular massages....NADA. Training for and running the 2013 Richmond Marathon was the most miserable experience of my sporting life. When Meg died, I was barely interested in running 1-2 miles as warm up for strength training. I didn't "want" to run and really didn't care if I did it or not. But her death impacted me in a way I cannot describe. In part because of the way the running community came together to become Meg's Miles Supporters. I see in that group a love not only of running--but of each other. We celebrate each other's runs. The speedster 3 hour marathoners as well as the newbie lacing up for their first mile in 15 minutes. The genuine care and concern for each other as well as acceptance of each other no matter what is a legacy of love. I still struggle with getting my run back to my pre marathon level--but in the process of the months since Meg passed into glory I have learned to relax and just *be* in the run I have today. That to me is part of what running "Meg-strong" is all about. We can't always have these crazy PR kind of days--sometimes we just have to take the lemons and turn that sour run into something beautiful. So my Advent is learning to love and accept the person who I am now, and not look back on where I was pre injure or marathon... Guest post from: Lia Draper Meg has changed my life and she got my attention from the start. Being a runner, a mother, and the wife of an officer myself, I couldn't help but be drawn to her family. Connections were quickly made, but little did I know that these connections weren't just for honoring Meg. These connections were for us, as a blessing from Meg and God. This family we have as Meg's Miles is precious and permanent. #Megsmiles was never a trend, it's a lifeline. You know what I'm talking about. My lifeline is made of amazing sole sisters who have been "doing life" with me for over six months. I haven't met them yet, but we have laughed, cried, and spoken truth with each other in numerous ways. They are my lifeline of love and safety and trust and hope. There are also sole brothers who have demonstrated perseverance and coaching and ripples to waves of inspiration. My Dad has always said that God gives us what we need, when we need it. He's right. But now it's time to add to it, because Meg has shown us that there is more. Her lifeline has shown us that God also gives us WHO we need, when we need them. As we go into this Advent season and into January, let's keep being a lifeline for each other during this time of love, grief, joy, and hope. 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 that our stories will bring comfort and maybe an occasional smile to the Menzies and Cross families who will be missing Meg this holiday season. Submit your story here. |