Little did I know that a walk around a one half mile stretch of asphalt and pavement would bring a sense of closure to a very painful period of my life but it did. When “Meyer’s Mile” was suggested as the name for the walking track at Hailmann Elementary in memory of Sue (Diane as she was known professionally) I was humbled by the thought and pleased for Diane that the vision she had for young children in elementary school would become a reality. The teachers, community, and especially Denise Sanders, Hailmann’s Principal, spearheaded this effort to make it happen. Well done – well done.

Body image becomes a way to shame all too often. Diane suffered from that in school and I did too. Girls on the Run became a real joy for her because it gave her a chance to encourage young girls to stay fit but also to think in positive ways about themselves. What a great program. Thank you to all the coaches, parents, and administrators who support this great program.

There is much more to do on the track and field around Meyer’s Mile. A butterfly garden, benches, and a pavilion for outdoor learning but all in due time. With the completion of this phase it feels as though I have permission to move into a different phase of living. Grief changes into rebuilding. All the plans that were, are no longer, but new plans lay ahead. Reflecting becomes refreshing in a way that it wasn’t before. I return to the verse from Jeremiah again and again to sort out the future, Jeremiah 29:11 “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Be Well…