FCA Cleveland

Well there was once again a slight change in plans yesterday with regard to training. I had great intentions of running once I got off work but when I got home I still had work to do. I thought about running on the treadmill but talked myself out of it. Also, I was a little distracted because Sarah’s 94-year old granddaddy, Woodrow “Woody” Wilson Biddle, was not doing good at all. He’s been sick or in rehab for broken bones since his wife of 70-years, Nanie, went on to be with the Lord last year. Sarah was with him last night at the nursing home in Alabama and I was just a little down thinking about him and what he’s going through. So, day three will be referred to as a “rest day.”
About midnight last night Sarah called me and by the sound of her tears, I knew it had happened. Woody passed on to be with Jesus last night and was reunited with his lovely wife in Heaven. We are all doing as good as expected and know that he is no longer suffering. However, we still hurt because we’ll miss him. Woody was a man of God if ever I saw one. He loved his wife more than any man has ever loved a woman. His daughter, Janice was his world. They talked every day on the phone and for the past several months she visited him every day. He has three grandchildren by blood but countless is the number of those he adopted as his own. I am one of those; and thankful to be one. After I finish this post I will be going to Alabama to be with Sarah for the visitation and funeral.
With all that being said, it is hard to run when you can’t see through your tears. But I pushed through anyway and am glad I did. It gave me a chance to reflect on Woody’s life and the legacy he left behind. I thought about the fact that we never got to play that round of golf we’d planned. I thought about how he once told me, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” I thought about his strong grip even with two broken arms. His love for God, family, strangers and his church. I needed that run.
I ran with Sarah’s ipod today since mine weighs like 10 lbs. and is seemed like every song related to Woody in some way. I’m sure people thought I was crazy when I passed them. I can hear them saying, “What’s up with the dude running and crying listening to the pink ipod?” Oh well, I’m okay with that. I was really happy after I ran. Don’t laugh at me but I am pumped that I made it two miles without stopping! My lungs didn’t burn as much and my feet weren’t as heavy. It was a good morning.

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