No astronauts were harmed in the typing of this blog post.
Actually, this has precious little to do with those brave souls who fling themselves off of our planet and into the heavens toward places unknown.
Instead, it has to do with a review of the first 5K I ever did and the emotional feelings that are now revisited as I prepare to accompany my sister on her FIRST 5K.
I remember well the nervousness, the fear and the downright terror that I would make headlines and be the ONE person carried off in a body bag to die the death of the ignominious and tragically forlorn.
But I managed to survive. Sweaty, hot and most definately excited that the months of preparation had come to fruition.
Now, I'm the one to share the joy of knowing that someone else can make it across the finish line . . . TWICE.
Not only do I get to share the joy of finishing with my sister Kari and enjoying the feeling of accomplishment which she will feel, but we will then wait together for Beth to finish what she declares to be her "first and only marathon".
We shall cry, we shall laugh and we shall say that we knew we could do this. We may have to do all of that over our third of a tube of Icy Hot, but we shall revel in our moment. But the best part is that we shall be together to experience it all.
Most people celebrate birthdays with cake and icing. Beth celebrates with pain, sweat, surgery, training, muscle cramps and two of the looniest companions she could have picked to share this moment with her. We have walked and trained and worked individually - but together in the purpose of the trek under western skies.
We won't be setting records carved in stone unless you consider the records in our own book of life. Those are eternal in nature and not subject to the review of those who haven't sacrificed to enjoy the trip.
Heck, they aren't even subject to review by people who HAVE sacrificed... the fact is, the journey is individual and motivated by differing desires.
The most important thing is to be like Nephi and "go and do".
We will be in the place where the sacred memories of pioneers who traveled much further have a resting place. The spirit of men, women and children who endured far more than a little sweat and toil will help us along the way. They will say in whispered tones "You can do it! This is the place, you can make it!" And we will believe them for the memory of their very footsteps is in the ground beneath our feet.
Our job is to fill the track they left behind and keep pushing toward our own personal promised land. To be sure it is a temporary promise, but an important one nonetheless.
Without our goals, we can't cross the bitter plains of personal experience with our handcart full of faith, hope and optimism to keep us putting one foot in front of the other.
Like the pioneers of old, we have a goal. Although the realization of it isn't always in our sights, we know it is there and that is enough.
This is the place. And we can stand where, for one moment, we share the track of those who made possible so much.
For one day this month, we will join the pioneers.
And, just like those changed pioneers who left all they knew and blazed the trail West for the very first time, we won't ever be the same again.
