Girls on the Run

For the last three years, I have participated in “Girls on the Run” a 5k running/walking mentor type program with 5^th grade girls from our school.  This year however was the best yet!  It’s not because our bus was one hour late picking us up which meant we didn’t have to stand around and wait until the 5k race began.  And it wasn’t because the temperature was just around 90 degrees and the beads of sweat didn’t provide much in the way of coolant. The reason why this was the best year ever was because of my running buddy S.  Yes, this delightful 5^th grade girl was the reason this year was the best year so far!  S is such a delight!  She is polite, well mannered and a joy to chat with.  She is rather quiet normally, but not during our jogging and power walking we had so much to talk about the time just flew by.  We chatted about what she was looking forward to most going on to 6^th grade.  What plans she had for the summer and she talked to me about her family. I could hear the love and respect she had for her parents as she spoke of them.  Her dad had even come down to cheer her on and show his support.   I shared some things as well which she really enjoyed hearing about.  We talked about how teachers have families and lives just like everyone else. I’m going to miss S because like I said she is moving on to 6^th grade, although she promises to come back and visit… I sure hope she does because I’m sure . . . all that I know is possible for her will come true!  “Girl Power” to S and all the other girls as they begin to find their way towards their futures!