Confessions from a nail salon

I went to get a pedicure today after work and I overheard a conversation that really made me think and reflect on all of this. I didn't mean to listen, and I wasn't until a woman waiting commented to a girl who had been on the phone, and said "I overheard your conversation and I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry" - it was that comment that made me tune in, thinking to myself, wow this woman has some serious balls... but then once I started listening, it was the girls story that made me reflect. 


Turns out, she is 25 years old and she was just diagnosed with mylenoma and was about to undergo treatment. Her mother was also currently in treatment for the same disease and was in surgery at that moment down the road at the hospital. You could tell she was upset and that what she was going through was difficult and after the woman stopped talking to her, I could see her silently crying as her nails dried.


I can only being to imagine how that girl felt and what she is going through... and I immediately wanted to go up to her and give her a hug and tell her that we are all fighting for her (I didn't - that would be weird). 


But as I left the salon, I reflected on what I saw and heard. I also reflected on some of the things that I have said over the last few days and regretted them. I have caught myself saying that I am tired. I am tired of fundraising and training. I've said things like all I feel like all I do is train...and I think I even said to someone "you have no idea how tough this is and what I am going through" - which is to me the worst comment possible.  Don't get me wrong, I am exhausted and I do want this race to be here, this small, short period of time is nothing compared to what this girl and her family are going through.


I have no right to bitch and moan. I have NO place to complain. I am incredibly lucky and it is because of my health that I am able to do this race with TNT and fight for people like her and her mother. I fight for her, train for her and raise money so she doesn't have to go through this with her children. So her mom can meet her grandkids. So that she doesn't have to sit in a nail salon and silently cry. It is moments like today that I remember that this is so much bigger than just being tired from a little training and fundraising.


Even though she has no idea that I overheard, or who I am, she did reach me and remind me that even though I am tired, that there is a reason behind all of this. She has no idea how much she touched me and how even though I don't know her, I am praying and thinking of her and her mother. 


And, maybe most importantly, it is moments like this that put me in my place, humble me and remind me of why I am doing this.