Life is a series of conversations…
This weekend, I had the luck of not only planning my 10 year reunion from Stanford but also had the honor of chairing the reunion committee. That was planned since last October. April 11th was not. Battery changes are never planned they just somehow sneak their way into life. So as I was planning for my surgery on April 10th, I was also firing off emails to my committee and friends reminding them to sign up. The reality was I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it. I called my old roommate and I told her my dilemma and she said – Carrie, reunion can’t happen without you, you are class of 2004.
So 3 weeks post surgery, I rested with one focus planning an amazing reunion and making it to reunion. It was epic! I am so happy and inspired by so many this weekend. I had classmates from all over the world come up to me and say – I love your running journey, I love seeing you 10 years later with a second chance at life, I love seeing you take your miracle and spread your cause around the world…I can’t tell you how overwhelming the whole weekend was. This is a class of very accomplished execs, VCs, business professionals and they voted me one of the most inspiring, me – dystonic carrie, batteries and all!
When I set out on this journey, none of this was the plan. I had deep brain stimulation. I was given a second chance. I took that second chance and literally ran miles and miles….I spread the word, I inspired many and I am not done yet. I was so excited that I made it to reunion. What many didn’t know was that on Friday and Saturday I was at about a pain level 7, but pain is temporary the memory of this weekend will be forever. I am inspired all over again to spread the word, to inspire many to know to work within your limitations and believe in miracles. One of my classmates reminded me that 12 years ago, he said what is wrong with your leg? why do you walk like that? Those memories are hidden and I remember my response in those days – I have a rare disease. Fast forward 12 years later and my response to why do you have scars on your chest? Is a proud, chest lifted answer – I have Dystonia would, you like to hear more… The other lesson on this journey is patience. I went from running 5 miles at the beginning of the year to barely being able to ride the bike for 20 minutes today. But as always, I will build back my strength and continue to be patient for the next 3 weeks. And despite being frustrated I am always reminded I will be back to running across finish lines in no time!
Class of 2004 thank you for all the conversations this weekend! The timing was perfect! I am inspired all over again!
Run Carrie Run! 