This Saturday had been on my mind all week, with it being the funeral of my dad. This would be taking place in Jamaica with a link to the streaming of the service. Whilst I would be tuning in, I needed to find my own way to honour my father and a desire to honour my mother too.
I woke up early with the streets quiet and the park largely empty. I went to get bananas for the event, this idea of service was very much embodied by my father and would be commented on in the tributes to him.
Whilst not on the rota to deliver the 'new runners welcome', Graham Buckle kindly agreed for me to do this with him. My father had been a strong public speaker and I feel I both channelled and honoured him by doing this.
And then to the run. My athleticism can be attributed to my mother. Recently I’ve been running strongly and to honour her I pledged to run a new personal best. This simple clear instruction gave me focus as I ran through the pain of loss to the light of healing.
Every week I speak to some one new at my local event and I've found people show up for many different reasons. Running is one thing, however, parkrun, running with people, community, is much more than just running, it's well-being.
Today Burgess parkrun allowed me to honour my father and mother in a structured supported, unique and special way.
Thank you parkrun.
🙌🏻❤️💪🏻