My Husband, Mike, surprised me with this post a year ago today and as we approach our return to Boston, I thought it was appropriate to share again. For those who read this, I hope you will excuse this brief commentary on my wife. And Jody...while I try to tell you these things face-to-face, it just seems to come out better when I write it out. So... Many people set goals. For some, though, I think a goal is really more like a wouldnt it be nice if....; more like a dream if you will. As you probably know, Jody is not like this. Oh yes, she has dreams, but often times those dreams quickly transform into goals. She sees an opportunity and goes after it 100%, all along the way striving, learning and growing. In about a week, her goal of running in the Boston Marathon is about to come to fruition. From the earliest part of our relationship I remember her talking of how she hoped to run a marathon one day. That one day finally happened in 2009, and I thought that would be it. Goal accomplished. But no. That day was transformative for her. None like Ive ever seen in her before. She wanted more. She had worked too hard to do this just once, and she wanted to do it better the next time. She researched and trained and researched more and trained more, always trying to find the better way. She entered more marathons and set new PRs while I would track her down at miles 7, 14, 21 and the finish line supplying her fresh water bottles from her personal chase vehicle, also known as the family van. All of that on its own was impressive enough, but even more impressive to me was how yet another goal emerged. She wanted to share her new-found passion with others, and not in a Hey, look at me sort of way. No, she wanted to inspire others. She had found something that spoke to her, and she had to let others know about it, too. She wanted to be inclusive, so much so that in a recent marathon she added the regimen of praying for 26 different people during each mile. I got the last 1.2 miles. Little something extra for the hubby. :) Bottom line, she wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. Based on the number of current likes I see on her page, Id once again have to say goal accomplished. This is just one example of how utterly fantastic I think my wife is, and it has caused me to reflect on what a bright light she has been and continues to be in my life. Without her I doubt I would have been introduced to Jesus. Without her I would not have my three kids I adore. And without her I would not have known what true love feels like. It has been said that behind every great man is a great woman. By no means am I saying that I am great, but I will tell you that I think Jody is, and she is not behind me but rather we are side by side. In fact, if I turn off my male ego for a moment, she is frequently ahead. Sometimes 26.2 miles ahead. Jody, I love you. You have worked hard for this and cant wait to see you at the finish line. On to Boston! ~Mike Stoops
Posted on: Fri, 11 Apr 2014 01:00:01 +0000
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