A little piece of Heaven- Marathon #47: for Dwayne Jones (Miles 1-8) - Marathon Goddess

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  This journey has been filled with so many moments or coincidences, or signs from the universe that I am on the right track. Even the room key at my hotel today, look at this:
It's a SIGN

It’s a SIGN 🙂

While I was running marathon #44 in Arizona, I met Natalie. First I met her at the expo, then we saw each other around mile 6. We have something in common, unfortunately it is that both of our fathers passed away from pancreatic cancer. We were talking about our fathers and she mentioned that her father was only 47 when he passed. Then the sign came, marathon #47 is for Natalie’s father Dwayne Jones. Both of us immediately had chills covering our entire bodies. It was meant to be. So here I am about to tackle a marathon with 4,800 feet of elevation gain, I have no idea where I am (somewhere in San Francisco), but I do know what I’m doing, I am fighting the good fight against pancreatic cancer and today I run for 3 very special people. Dwayne Jones,the first part of my marathon is for you:Dwayne   Jones47
Dwayne passed away on September 15, 2007 at the age of 47. He leaves behind his daughter Natalie, her sister and 5 young grandchildren. He was able to meet his beautiful 5th grandchild just two months before he died. As children Natalie and her sister remember him as one of their own. He was always full of energy and wanted to “play.” He continued the tradition with the grandchildren as he loved to spoil them with anything from trips to the amusement park to picking them up for a sleepover at Grandpa’s house. He was always their biggest cheerleader and they will never forget the way he called them “sweetie” or “babe”. He was supportive no matter what!
Pancreatic Cancer took their Dad in just 5 short months. It was very frustrating for the family. It is so sad but true many of the doctors look for everything under the sun except pancreatic cancer. Only to find it too late, but we have hope. Like Dwayne did. Despite the physical and emotional pain he was enduring, he tried to always remain positive and was more concerned about the people around him than he was himself! That’s the kind of man he was. He is missed and loved every day. When I run up the mountain , I know I won’t be alone. I will imagine Dwane’s positive spirit by my side, guiding me, helping me and smiling the whole way. With love an honor, Dwayne this one is for you. We got this xo-Julie
Dwayne and his girls.  So cute :)

Dwayne and his girls. So cute 🙂

So much love

So much love

 
True Love

True Love

                 
Whipple was successful last week and now I get to go home today. Two days after surgery I was up and walking and I didn’t stop. The team call me their star patient ;>
I am overjoyed and feel like shouting it out at the top of the mountain where I will be running this weekend.

AUTHOR

Julie