This is my 500th post. Could you humor me for just a few moments? A few moments to reflect? And a few moments to say thank you?
You will? Okay. . . let’s dive in.
About two and a half years ago I nervously and naively hit the “Publish Post” button on my very first Running Chatter post. At the time, I was unaware of what this space would look like or if I would even have the commitment to keep it up past the first several weeks. I anticipated that I would spend much of my time talking about running and topics associated with running. Hence the name, Running Chatter.
At the time, we were a family of four and as far as we knew, our family was complete. I was still reeling from the death of my Mom and my daily runs and the accumulation of miles logged were pretty high on the priority list.
Soon after post one was published, post two followed and then three and four and on and on, until I’m shocked to find I’m at my 500th post.
Today, I just wanted to pause to say thank you to all of you who visit this space.
You see, I am an introvert by nature. Quiet and low-key are my preferences. Somehow, though, this space and this community have allowed me to find my voice and not be so afraid to use it. . . even if from behind the safety of my keyboard.
Over the last couple of years you have watched our kids grow. . .
And our family grow. . .
But the growth has been so far beyond what most see on the outside. For me, the growth on the inside has been almost indescribable.
I said almost. . .
Over time, writing in this space has helped me to accept myself and be okay with who I am today. Whether boiling an egg without water or burning Tupperware. . . you accepted me . From bad Mama days to days when I just needed to know I’m not the only one. . . you have been there. And then there was that day. . . that day when I told you my Mom was an alcoholic. . . you didn’t judge me, but you embraced me.
That was the day everything began to change. When you accepted my story. . . so did I.
Words fail me when I try to express the way my heart has grown through this space and this community. Thank you. Thank you for embracing our family in our little corner of the web and for allowing us to be us.
So often you have taken the time to stop by and grab onto our story and, in turn, become a part of our story. Running Chatter has introduced me to people and stories I would have otherwise never known. I will be forever grateful for that.
I have met other Mama’s who love their babes with a ferocious love and who, like myself, are constantly tired. I have met daughters of alcoholics, motherless daughters, Mama’s who sometimes feel alone and who are simply trying to make it through the day. I have met women who are older than me and some who are younger. I have met women who I wish lived next door and heard stories that convey the deep and powerful strength that lies in all of us. I have reconnected with old friends and found new ones.
It is in this space and community that I’ve really understood that we are all more alike than we are different.
So, in this 500th post let me say it just one more time. Thank you. Thank you for stopping by here, for being you, and for letting me be me.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Summer….your bravery astonishes me….you have allowed complete strangers into your story and heart….you inspire me…you have taught me to capture the moments and memories that happen everyday…so maybe not with a camera but with my heart and i have stored them away for safe keeping…i love you my friend….
btw…i think the mayo in the pantry not once…not twice….you get the point….i think that should have made the list….it still cracks me up….
i miss you bunches…hope to see your face soon!
Oh Kyra. How I love you. The mayo!? How could I forget the mayo??!!
Thank you for your sweet, sweet, words and for always being on my team.
Miss you, too!!
Thank you for sharing your life.
Thank you, Joni.
hmmm…. my earlier comment didn't go through! what i was said was that i was so happy Running Chatter was born. i liken this space to your fourth child, in fact. it's growing, evolving, changing – and we all get to see this happen! can't wait until RC is a teenager! : ) heehee. i knew you'd appreciate that. seriously though, so happy that this blog exists. i would HATE to not have it.
also, i don't even want to know why Meadow is not wearing shoes on the winter hike. i know, i know…..third child!
love, Miss
Oh Miss. . . why am I not surprised that you are one the ONE person that noticed Meadow's shoeless feet. They were in Chad's pocket. . . she didn't think they matched her outfit.
Diva.
Love you, Miss.
summer, you are such a beautiful spirit. thank you for sharing your heart and family with all of us. we're blessed to be along for the ride. congrats on 500 posts, and cheers to 500 more! 🙂
Thank you so much, Abbe.
I was 14 when I first met and would have never guessed the influence you would have on my life. Almost 12 years later, you're still influencing my life. I appreciate this space and everything you share with us. I am so glad I was able to reconnect with you after so long. So really, I feel like I should tell you thank you and not the other way around! So… Thanks!
Oh Emily, in my mind you are always the crazy, sweet, loving, and adventurous 14-year old I met so many years ago. In reality, I know you're not. You're a loving Mama who has grown into a beautiful woman. I am SO glad our paths have passed and the footprints of your spirit remain with me today.
Thank YOU!
I am inspired by your words, drawn in by your photographic eye and unexpected composition and a wanna be runner. Thanks for sharing. (If you dont have clue who I am I understand, ask Kim)
Thank you, Doug, for such kind words. And, yes, I DO know who you are. I recall eating at your restaurant (and I believe I met you) many years ago. I appreciate your encouragement on my pictures very, very much.
That should have read "and I AM a wanna be runner".
I understood what you meant, Doug. Though Chad tells me you ARE a runner (and I know you are a biker, as well.) 🙂
12K at 12 a.m.?
Summer,
What an awesome accomplishment and I, too, feel like we should be thanking you for letting us see so many aspects of your life. Your words seem to flow so easily and you are able to capture everyday moments of life and make them awe inspiring. I enjoy coming to this space so thank you for sharing it with us. Congrats on your 500th post!
Cheryl N.
Thank you so much, Cheryl. I really appreciate your support and your words. I'm so glad our paths have crossed via the blogesphere!
Keep on with your bad self mama! Words have a way of healing!
Oh, now this made me smile. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog and for making me smile.
As I read this post, I had a smile on my face.
Primarily because I'm just so proud of you.
I'm nodding my head and my words escape me but just know, I'm so glad you have this space. I love visiting it.
Thank you, Ky.
YAY for your 500th post!!
And YAY for all this little community has done and for you and the people, like myself, who get to share in your stories and pictures and inspirational words.
I am glad to have met you this way and glad that you keep sharing and inspiring us.
I feel similar, I am VERY introverted. But this blog has helped me in SO MANY ways. I originally thought it was just for me to be funny, but it has truly changed my life and the friends and support and humor have all been priceless.
Here is to 500 more!!!
Thank you so much. . . and I agree completely this community is great for introverted gals like ourselves. 🙂