Ours was a friendship forged years ago. I was the “seasoned” mom with 2 older children. Your oldest was the age of my youngest. Playdates and then when kids were older in school, we started running together. We ran in groups. We ran together and formed a lasting friendship.

It was almost easier then to find time. When the kids were at school we could meet to run, get pedicures or have lunch. We saw each other at school pick-ups. Our boys were even on the same soccer teams. As our kids got older, we had less time.

It was easy to be your friend. As much as an open person I am, very few people get past the walls. It was easy with you. Everyone you met was your friend. You met me where I am – an extrovert introvert who prefers one on one to big groups. The girl who wants to be invited to the party, but doesn’t really want to go. The girl who has been burned one too many times to allow just anyone in. I let you in.

Time passes and we don’t see each other as much, but we still connect mostly by texts. The time we meet in person is less and less. I still remember you calling to tell me the news of your illness. Even then with the news, you were still so optimistic.

Time passed.

We no longer met to run, but I would drop everything if you texted that you wanted to walk. I remember telling you on our first walk that these walks would be whatever you needed them to be (besides getting yourself moving). We could talk about anything or nothing. It was a place to find normal in a very un normal situation. I will treasure these walks and moments literally for the rest of my life.

What was more than apparent at your service was the reminder of how wonderful you were. I said to someone today that you were light, love and kindness all wrapped in one with the biggest smile to walk this earth. Not even exaggerating a little.

At the luncheon someone called me your runner friend and I guess that does sum us up. The thing about running friends that people may not understand is that when you are running mile after mile after mile with someone it becomes more about the friendship and less about the running. When running you talk about everything and anything. The big, the little and everything in between.

I wish I knew our last walk would be our last walk. I wish I knew it was the last time I was going to see you. I wish…. I wish… I wish…….. I would have told you how much I loved you. How much your friendship meant to me and I most definitely would have given you a bigger hug.

I thought we had time. I thought you had time. They don’t say time is a thief for no reason.

The second biggest takeaway from yesterday is to spread kindness. Real kindness. That there is a difference between being nice and being kind. You know it to be true too.

Lastly, it was a reminder to be in the moment. Don’t wait to call that friend to make plans. When with them, don’t forget to tell them how important, and don’t expect there to always be a next time. Time is a thief and we always want more time.

Today I went for a run. I met a friend for the first half. Then I went for the second half “with you.” I talked to you. I told you the things I wished I had told you. Then I ended the run at the track where I sprinted a lap for you.