"10/08/02 - A Promise That Will Not Be Forgotten"

I've had that in my profile for AIM for several years now and have had many questions with regards to what it's purpose is. I have told very few people it's meaning. As a matter of fact, as of right now I only know of four; my parents, my girlfriend, and another good friend of mine. I've told many of you who have asked me that one day, if I did what I wanted to, I would let you know. So, rather than individually explaining it, I felt as though this would be the easiest means to tell my story....

When I was in the 8th grade my grandmother, who I was very close to, died in a car accident. The most devastating part was that Me-Me wasn't a Christian. I was crushed, and to this day it hurts. The last instance I ever really got to talk to Me-Me was exactly a week before she was killed. It was after a football game and she and I had gone to eat and were riding home so she could drop me off. She asked me about track season and my goals. I said I wanted to win district in the mile as I had done in 7th grade. She asked if that was all? So I said I'd go undefeated. She asked if that was all? So I promised I would. She asked me about high school, and what I would do then. I said "I'll win state!" She asked if that was all? So I promised I'd win State.

One week later I was sitting in the emergency room in unbelief over the fact that she was gone. I didn't know what to do.

My 8th grade track season I went undefeated and won district. Then high school rolled around and I wasn't anything special even in our district. Freshmen year in cross country I only got 8th place. But I've worked - hard. I've run - mile after mile I have run. It would be a lie to say it was all for the promise, it was for myself and others as well, but I wanted to keep my word.

I say all this now, and put all this information out in the open now because this morning I did it. I won the 4A State Cross Country meet in a new 4A State record. My time was almost fast enough to win the 5A race (it would have gotten me 2nd), but that doesn't matter - I did what I set out to do. It was a dream come true - words can't describe it.

Now I can let go. Now I can feel set free from that burden that I've carried for over 4years. It feels so good to know I won, and so good to know that "it was not forgotten."

Me-Me will always be in my heart - I will love her for as long as I live and she will always be an influence in my running.

10/08/02 - A Promise That Will Not Be Forgotten.....better yet.... 11/11/06 - A Promise That Was Not Forgotten.

R.I.P. Me-Me 10/08/02