Running the Race with Gratitude, Perseverance, Hope, and Faith – Sprint III

Before we jump into Sprint III, I want to reveal the incredible women I mentioned in my previous post: Jennifer McIntyre and Gail Deaton.

I met Jennifer back in 2003, shortly after we moved into our home. I was pregnant with my daughter at the time. A few days after we settled in, I came home from work one evening to a knock at the door. When I opened it, there stood Jennifer, holding a warm cake she had baked to welcome us to the neighborhood. That simple act of kindness sparked a friendship that has lasted ever since. Our children grew up playing in each other’s homes for countless hours, and she even became my kids’ art teacher in elementary school.

I met Gail at the playground of our parish, St. Mary, Mother of the Church, when my children were just over three and one years old. After Mass, I often brought the kids to the playground, and one day she was there with her own little ones. We struck up a conversation as our children played, and it turned into a friendship that carried me through some of the toughest personal challenges of my life. Gail cared for my children on preschool holidays and during track-out days all through elementary school.

Psalm 91:11 says, “For He commands His angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.” I came across that same verse again in the Magnificat on October 2nd—the Memorial of the Guardian Angels. That was the very day Gail sat beside me in the hospital during my first surgery (yes, October held more than one surgery for me). In so many ways, she embodies the verse itself.

I’m also sharing a childhood family photo: my parents (Amma and Pappa), my three brothers, and my Ammamma—my paternal grandmother. I’m the one wearing the “Happy” shirt. And no, my brothers weren’t wearing uniforms!

For this part of the race, I asked the women one more meaningful question—one we all wrestled with:

“During the toughest times, what helped you find the strength to keep going and continue the fight?”

Their responses, along with mine, are threaded all through Sprint III, shaping the story as it unfolds

Patti:
I know that there is more for me to do in helping others.  I survived an automobile accident several years ago that should have ended my life.  I took that and used my given time to help others – mainly hosting and sponsoring several Ukrainian families who were trying to reach safety from the war.  Helping them seemed to be what God intended.  When I was struggling, it was my husband and those Ukrainian family members who told me to fight and that I would win.  You could see that they honestly believed I had some way to beat all odds.  I would pick myself up and do it for all of them.

Jennifer:
Trust that all will work out. Faith that the right people will be in my path to help me through. Family was extremely supportive. 

Devika:
My strength came from my faith. I held on tightly to the promise that “God didn’t bring you this far to leave you.” Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” And Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Those scriptures became my anchor. I believed with all my heart that God wasn’t done with me yet. I refused to accept that I wouldn’t be here for my daughter — I told myself I would see her walk down the aisle one day, that I would hold my first grandbaby. The thought of her future gave me the determination to fight with everything in me. I was also surrounded by a praying family and friends who covered me in love and encouragement. Their faith, combined with mine, helped me keep going through the toughest moments.

My Strength:
Faith has always been the foundation of my strength. I’ve faced many challenges throughout my life, and through each one I’ve held onto the truth that God will never abandon me. Jesus carried a cross He did not deserve, so I am happy to carry the smaller burdens placed in my path. During this journey, my family, church family, colleagues, and friends have reminded me of something I sometimes forget: I am strong. Their words and prayers have encouraged me to keep fighting, and their support has become another source of strength in my life.

Thank you for running Sprint III with me.

 

Up next is Sprint IV, where I’ll unveil the next question in this journey and introduce you to the remarkable, strong individual featured beside me.