My Lizzy

One year ago my dear childhood friend passed away. She was hit by a car while training for the Chicago Marathon. I'm not going to describe the details here of what happened to her. There are many newspaper articles that do that. I just want to remember her today and let her know that I have not forgotten her or her amazing spirit.

We met when we were 8 years old on the basketball court. We were rivals on different teams. We loved to compete against each other or I should say we loved the challenge. But, I have to say that we loved it even more when we got to 7th grade and were put on the same team. It was always better playing with her instead of against her. We became good friends in 7th and 8th grade. If I have a memory from those years I would have to say she was part of them. I could always get Lizzy to laugh. Usually by being clumsy and falling down stairs or just being goofy. I loved to make her laugh because her laugh was contagious. I would spend the night at her house often on the weekends and I remember "sneaking out" and going to a boy's house to go swimming in his pool. Although, I don't know if this really is "sneaking out" since her mom did drive us. But it was still fun. I even wore one of her bikinis. But don't tell my mom because that was against the rules.

My Lizzy, we grew apart in high school. I found religion and you struggled. But thankfully later in life you did find faith and peace from our Savior Jesus Christ. One thing we knew even during high school was that we would be lifelong friends. You came to my first baby shower. We met up for breakfast if we were ever home at the same time. We had this connection and knowledge that we would always be there for one another in good times or bad. We wrote emails to each other while I was living in China and you were finding your faith. (I still have these emails and your email address in my contact list. They are nice to read sometimes to just remember you). Although, we had different faiths we respected each other and were happy that we both had peace in life. You were committed to what you believed and I respected that. I know you respected my faith too. It seemed like anytime we got together even if a year had gone by we would just pick up where we left off. Your face just lit up and mine did too when we got together.

You were an athlete. More so than I could ever be. You could run a half marathon in 1 hour and 24 minutes. Probably faster but that is what I read in the paper. You were just beginning your distance running career. You played soccer for Washington State University and broke records there. You were incredible to watch. Your motto in life was "Life's Short...Run Long." I will live this motto in my life to remember your Spirit that you had in this life and the Spirit you left behind. I know that you are in a better place. You are working with the Lord to build his Kingdom and you are so much happier. You are an angel and have always been. Thank you for your friendship and example in life. I will always cherish the little moments we had. Last year when you died I was 5 weeks pregnant. I was not able to participate in all of the races that were honoring you. This year I will run at least one Half Marathon in your honor wearing your t-shirt. Hopefully you will give me some of your endurance and strength while I run. I will definitely need it. I love you Liz. You will always be My Lizzy.

Here are some articles about her here and here