So many tasks we face have no end in sight—laundry, grading, clearance…they all plague me. This past weekend though, I got to cross a couple finish lines and celebrate.
Friday, I got word that my master’s thesis had cleared and the paperwork was being filed for my degree. I am done. Done. It is hard to fully accept. I began researching and applying to programs in 2007, took classes from 2008-2009, and wrote, rewrote, read, reread, sniveled, wept, and bled over my thesis from 2009 until a couple months ago. So grateful for all the support from my family and friends the past several years—could NOT have done it without you. Cue “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by a touching karaoke version of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Go ahead, wipe away a tear.
Saturday, I ran in the Virginia Beach Wicked 10K with my neighbors. If running six-plus miles wasn’t enough, this race encourages all participants to dress up in costume. Good heavens. I cannot begin to describe all the wacky, ill-advised, creative, and hilarious costumes that ran down the boardwalk in the driving wind and pelting rain on Saturday morning. As batgirl, I finished with my cat-friend, a candy-corn witch, and our friends from the end of the block who were dressed up as… runners. I wish we were going to be here again next year to dodge the zombies and pose in front of the hearse.
I was reminded that sometimes we can see the finish line—it’s marked by an inflatable arch, cheering crowds, and balloons. Other times, we have to embrace those along the journey and take it on faith that the finish line is coming.
