Cross Country & my parents

I'm not a quitter.

I learned this lesson in 7th grade.  My oldest friend, Laura asked me to go to a cross country practice to see 'if I liked it'.  (Side note: I've never liked running.  Ever.)  So, I think it's pretty needless to say that I did. not. like. it.  Laura liked it.  And then she hurt her back.  And she couldn't run anymore.  And without me, they wouldn't have enough people to compete.  I was the fifth person and I had to do it or our school wouldn't have a cross country team.

I wanted to quit so bad.  But my parents wouldn't let me.

So, I ran that whole year.  I hated it.  And it hated me.  I was horrible.  I was always in the back of everyone... I was never last, but always way too close to all the last people:) I was so upset at my parents for not letting me quit because I hated(ok, hate) doing things I'm bad at.  But they would tell me 'Julie, you are such an important part of that team.  Without you, there wouldn't be a team'.  Generally, when people hear that it's because they are the BEST at something.  Not so much here.

But I learned a very important lesson.  I am not a quitter.  Things aren't always fun, but if you make a commitment, you have to carry it through.  It wasn't always a welcomed lesson, but it's a lesson I am so glad that I learned.

Thank you, Mom & Dad, for instilling values in me that I still use in my adult life.  Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement(even when I sucked at cross country).  Thank you for being an example of how I should live out my life.  Thanks.

Apparently, there is no picture of all of us since my wedding day.  So, this is Robby and I with my parents.  We've all aged three years so use your imagination! :)

Have a great Monday!!!