Today I took part in a running event that, while I would participate again, I would do so with a heavy heart. This morning, there was a "Silent Mile" that took place to celebrate the life of Lauren Bump. The event was held at OP Schnabel Park here in San Antonio (and around the world on Facebook), a location frequented by runners, bikers, hikers, walkers, and skaters. It was also the location of Ms. Bump's murder on the last day of 2013.
I do not wish to get into the details of her murder. To do so would bring too much attention to the monster that committed a senseless crime as this. Police have someone in custody but have yet to find a motive or connection. The bombing at Boston was a terror attack on running's hallowed ground. This attack was much more localized, personal, and, for many, poignant. The greenway is a place for San Antonio fitness buffs, dog walkers, and people just looking to pass some time in a slice of nature. It is rare that you pass someone on the path without a smile and a salutation. I have run there at least once a week for the past two years and have started to recognize some of the regulars. It is one of the unofficial gathering points for the San Antonio running community. This senseless attack casts a dark cloud over an otherwise happy and relaxing place. The heart shaped memorial will serve as a reminder and a warning for passers by for as long as it stands.
I have to admit that I plagiarized the title. Some of those who know me also know that my grandfather was a columnist in a local paper and wrote an article after my mother's death in January 1984 titled "Why Mary? Answers are few, yet..." This article, which still brings tears to my eyes 30 years later, has been a source of comfort for grieving family and friends over the years. Grandpa Terry could write much more eloquently than I can and perhaps can offer some words of solace and wisdom through the years to the friends and family of Lauren.
I did not know Lauren Bump, nor did my friend Adam who invited me to participate. Doubtless I have seen her on the greenway or run races with her but I have never officially met her. Upon reading the Facebook page and talking to people this morning, I realized that many people running in Lauren's memory did not actually know her. Yet, they were all touched by this gorgeous young woman whose life slipped away after too few years. There, as Grandpa wrote, is the glimmer of an answer to those questions of "Why Lauren?" As people came together and prayed this morning, the man who I am assuming was Lauren's pastor reminded us that she is doing just fine. As we all walked or ran in silence alone, but at the same time beautifully together, in our thoughts, we started to change. It may not be immediately visible. But, it is a step along that course. People who otherwise would have never known each other were brought together. People were forced to look inward and refocus on what is important in life.
Our gathering together also showed that there is good in the face of evil. One deplorable act cannot dampen the spirits of hundreds, and can sometimes steel their resolve. I often jokingly quote Nick Diaz's "Don't be scared homie." This morning, there was no need. The gathering asked, among many questions, "How dare you?" But most of all, it showed Lauren Bump's family that they are not alone in this.
I hope that Lauren's family saw the hundreds of people showing up for support as a testament to her life and character. I hope that they internalize and remember that, not the creature that took their Lauren. I also hope that they follow the ultra-running mantra of RFP (relentless forward progress) and continue to press on. Never forgetting, but honoring Lauren's memory through their deeds and strengthened relationships. As this holiday season winds down, cherish your loved ones and the time, albeit often fleeting, spent with them. Grandpa said that there are no answers, only an occasional faint glimmer here and there. Grab hold of those glimmers, share them with those that may need them, and never lose that sense of hope and caring from this morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment