A Virtual Run for Sherry ...
What would happen to your family if you went out for a run one day and never came back?
That's the nightmare and devastation the family of Sherry Arnold, a Montana woman, is living out now.
Sherry Arnold disappeared in January. Authorities have two suspects in the case but have yet to find her body.
Today some of the Distance Divas — the long-distance training group I run with — wore virtual race bibs to honor her and her family. People did this —printed out the bibs and ran in her honor— across the country, not just here in Colorado. It's been on the blogosphere today.
This tragedy saddens and sickens me. I'm sure I'm not alone. I think Sherry's disappearance has moved many people, especially women, because she seemed like one of us — a mom, a teacher, a runner, just doing her own thing — when this awful crime happened. The circumstances — what little we know so far — sounded like random bad luck — not ever imagining she could be in harm's way, probably just out at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I know several people from Montana. I have never been there myself, but from what I've been told, the communities in Montana tend to be small, tight-knit and relatively safe. Sherry was likely out for one of her regular runs, never thinking twice about it, when she was abducted.
I wish I knew the answer — how to stop such horrible things from happening in the world, but I don't. I'm glad to see people care and aren't forgetting about Sherry or her family. God knows they will need caring and compassion as more of Sherry's story unfolds in the coming weeks, months, even years.
Here in America, when people die or something tragic happens, people in their communities tend to rush to the deceased person's family immediately to help. Then as time goes by, a lot of that support wanes even though the family's grief goes on and probably isn't finished yet.
This where I hope Sherry's story doesn't get lost over time. For her family, this isn't just about a virtual run in her honor for one day — it's a hard reality they will continue to face for the rest of their lives.
My hopes and prayers are that God's compassion and grace carry her family now and whenever they need it most into the future.
Today's run was for you, Sherry. I pray truth and justice prevails.
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"Aging is inevitable, but growing old is a choice. Lace up your shoes, and let's go!"
Mileage today: 12; Mileage for 2012: 161.
Danica that is very tragic. Can I run for her tomorrow?
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Mike, I'm sure you could. I think not forgetting her is what counts.
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