When I was a kid, we visited Yellowstone National Park after the raging wildfires of 1988 that destroyed nearly a third of the park. As we hiked through the decimated forests, all I saw was the ugliness around me - charred trees, scorched soil and hazy, acidic air that burned the back of my throat.  

But then we met a park ranger who exclaimed "Isn't this beautiful?" I'm sure he saw the confusion on my face, because he gestured to me to kneel down and whispered, "look closer - the forest is coming alive".

 

Upon closer inspection, I saw past the black and beheld a meadow of bright green moss and a rainbow of wildflowers like fireweed which the ranger said began to grow back within days of the fire ending. I saw the tender shoots of baby lodgepole pine trees whose seeds can only be released when its pinecones are subjected to heat greater than 113 degrees. It was awe-inspiring to witness the rebirth of the forest.

 

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Egypt and Lebanon and those in the past on US soil are like wildfires that seem to destroy everything in their wake. But like fireweed, the beauty and goodness of life quickly spreads, penetrating the shallow layer of ash to anchor its roots deep into the earth. 

 

I know no better example of this than the families I've meet who lost a child at Sandy Hook Elementary. Even after three years their grief and loss still consumes them daily. Their pain is palpable, and they have every reason to be angry - yet they are among the first to look past the evil and plant the seeds of love.  They pour their hearts and souls (and life-savings) into carrying on their child's legacy to do good in the world. Every penny they raise goes to help others by preventing violence, providing mental health support, empowering kids through triathlons and awarding college scholarships to future teachers. 

 

Here at Fleet Feet, we plan to follow their lead this holiday season and work to bring joy to family, friends and strangers. While we will still play host to sales and shopping, we have planned a variety of events that celebrate life and each other beginning on Fitnatic ("Black") Friday and continuing through early March with a new program called Winter Warrior.

 

But the event I am most proud of is our Holiday Toy Dash 5k run/walk on December 13. Staffer Dave, came up with the idea to host a race where the entry fee is a new toy that will be given to a needy child on Christmas Day. Thanks to the generosity of Asics, Riverfront Recapture, Craig & Company from 96.5 TIC radio, Select Physical Therapy and Fast Track Timing, Dave's idea has become a reality!

 

I hope you will take time out of your crazy holiday schedule to spend a morning with our amazing running community who are probably more like family than your blood relatives.  It's not about running fast or slow, it's about laughing, celebrating and proving that six year old Ana Grace Marquez-Greene was right when she told her mom that Love Wins.