the last 2 1/2 weeks have changed me a lot.

<------- the girl on the left is why.

her name is brittany and she is my friend and teammate. she was in a repelling accident a few weeks ago and fell 60 feet. she miraculously survived and didn't hit her head. in true brittany form, she tried to laugh off the fall, even when she couldn't feel her legs anymore. she has undergone multiple surgeries and been through excruciating pain. if i were to think of all the people in my life that love running, i mean really, really, love running, like enough to run 21 miles on their 21st birthday, i would think of this girl. she has always had such a happy and cheerful attitude no matter what and always makes everyone feel like they are the most important person. She continues to have a positive and happy attitude throughout all of this that she is going through. in every picture she has her bright genuine smile, in every phone conversation she wants to know how we are doing.

she has helped me to realize how amazing and happy life is. we all have it so good. she has also helped me to realize that it is extremely important to make sure the people we love know just how important they are to us. she has also been a great example and taught me to be more selfless and genuinely care and want to know more about all the people i interact with on a daily basis.

i have been thinking a lot about just how fragile life is and how so many unexpected things can happen so quickly. and i want to make sure that i remember to take advantage of everyday and don't waste it.