Thankful Thursday: Sister-Friend
Gratitude. Appreciation. Praise. Please join me in Thankful Thursday, a weekly pause to appreciate people, places & things.
Today I am grateful for my sister.
It's not enough that she is raising six kids (three of which she and her husband adopted) and has, over the years, been foster mom to three other youngsters.
Now she offers even more inspiration: My sister Cindi has lost 75 pounds — steadily, healthfully — and has become what she haltingly calls a "real runner."
Two months ago she ran her first 5k, and last month completed her first duathalon. This is shocking! Cindi never ran, never even walked fast. She and I were sportless children, happy to hang out, watch Brady Bunch, and eat Capn' Crunch.
Now she runs four to five miles each day. All her life, she has struggled with weight, gaining and losing the same dreadful pounds. Those of us who battle our bodies are well versed in the "eat less, move more" mantra. Knowing how to lose weight is the easy part. The real challenge is moving the body and changing the mind — day after day after day.
Even with this dramatic turnaround, Cindi is bashful about her success. "Oh, I've got a long way to go," she says, dismissing my praise. "This is the hardest thing I've ever done," she adds, forgetting (or unfettered by) the burden of youngsters demanding everything her heart can give.
The weight loss is not just about fitting into the skinny jeans. Cindi is modeling good health for her family. At her daughter's grade school, she's active in the running club (while the other mothers walk and chat, Cindi runs). And for her first 5k, she and her 12 year-old trained and raced together.
Most important, she has finally put herself first. Sometimes that's the hardest part, she says. To let go of guilt. To feel worthy of time and effort when family needs press for attention.
"Today, instead of eating the box of chocolates, I went for a run," she says after a stressful day. "The old me would have ate like crazy. Today I chose to work out. I think I'm making progress."
More than progress, I say. Cindi is nourishing mind and body in the best possible way, and inspiring others (me!) to do the same. On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for Cindi, my sister and friend.
How about you? What are you thankful for today?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 3:00PM
Reader Comments (8)
Knowing the mom and knowing the author this is an incredible story and inspiration. It has been with wonder to see the enriched relationship between sisters, oddly enough through sport. I'm very thankful the author provides a consistant, quiet measure of support and encouragement that fosters success; with the mom and the other pupils in her day-to-day efforts.
Drew, I always appreciate your Thankful Thursdays, but this one is outstanding. I see you running through town but had no idea that running was such a departure from your younger ways. Even more so for Cindi, I gather. She is truly marvelous. Thanks for this ~ I need a long walk today (my running days, and knees, are behind me!).
My dear Sister-Friend, Thank you for the kind words on your blog. I am so thankful to have you as a sister, but more importantly as a precious friend. You failed to give yourself credit though. You are the reason I started running! My thought was and still is............ my sister gets out to run with less than two lungs. There are no excuses for me not to run.! Love you and sending you sunshine, Cindi
What a great story -- thanks for sharing it with us. And hooray! for Cindi. I know how hard it is to find time for things like exercise, and I only have 3 kids -- half as many. I think it's awesome that she's modeling healthy living for her family and the kids at school.
You and Cindi are both great role models--and how nice that you both have such great sisterly support! I'm cheering you both on--from the Newport pool!!
Thanks so much for reading, and responding.
I think Cindi's story really struck a chord. Between Facebook and the comments here, this post has received the most feedback yet.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this Drew! I'm thankful for my bro and Ma. They just ran a 5-k yesterday in Concord NH while visiting me. Would have been there but had bball practice. You are an inspiration me to never let my health keep me from doing stuff. Awesome that you are your sis run :)
Hallie, Great to hear from you! So glad you are enjoying some family time.
I am very grateful for my sister. Even though we live 1,300 miles apart, we are able to keep each other motivated through www.dailymile.com.