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It was Steve's inspiration to walk the Marathon course to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. He knew he had an easy target in yours truly because shared his love for helping children in need and I had long distance walking experience having participated in the "Walk for Hunger" a few times. Besides it was Steve asking--no was not a thought. We bussed out to Hopkington early on a Saturday morning in October. The weather was absolutely perfect, sorry about that Beth. Steve and I had a great time trying to predict what would be the snack at each refreshment stop. We stocked up in our favorites and these usually did not include healthy foods. We were maintaining a fairly decent pace up until the lunch stop in Wellesley. Between the food in his belly and the cooling off of his muscles Steve experienced "Heartbreak Hill" a little earlier than the runners usually do. Our pace slowed considerably and Steve took advantage of every opportunity to walk in the shade. His feet were crying out in protest with every step and we paused frequently to apply more Vaseline or simply to "lick the wounds" so to speak. Steve made a valiant effort and displayed a high threshold for pain. He wanted to finish, my heart went out to him. Every time we would see a bus at one of the later refreshment stops he would talk about riding out the rest and meeting me at the finish. Finally, at the 21 mile mark, after an extended first aid break, Steve and I set off for the last miles of the marathon. I turned to ask Steve how he was feeling just in time to see his backside disappear through a busses accordion door. He sat down and told me to finish if I could and he would be there in Copley Square waiting for me. I was sorry to see Steve go, but I knew he gave it all he could. I walked with renewed energy knowing my friend would be waiting for me and for all those children who wanted to feel that energy flowing through them once again. Steve was there with hearty congratulations at the finish and I tried to convince the officials that he was deserving of the medal that was being given at the end of the walk. They would not relent--a true travesty. Steve's heart and soul went into every mile and he had the blisters to prove it, he deserved a medal as much as anybody. Steve being Steve, he was happy with the days experience and limped away feeling good about what he and I and so many beautiful people had gathered to do. I was always proud to call Stephen my friend, but that day my pride in this wonderful man reached heights even the Hancock building cannot measure up to. We talked the next day and Steve related is pains to me and I to him. I was excited about the next year but Steve had walked his last marathon. I would walk three more, but never was I in such great company. I know Steve is so proud of you Beth, we all are. Run with the spirit of your beautiful brother alive inside you and you'll be a winner. Steve would say--God Love Ya! Tom, Denise, Kristi and Ryan |
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