A couple weeks ago we had one of those great events in the life of a small town. Every year, this is the 32nd year, the Fools Five Race takes place in Lewiston, Minnesota. It is held the first Sunday of April (hence the name), but this year April 4th was Easter, so it was postponed to April 11th (the race, that is, not the holiday). I run the one-mile instead of the five-mile course for three reasons: 1) often I have to get back to Chatfield or home to finish something since Sunday is a big day, 2) the route turns around at the church and, in fact, one year the “map” including the church was on the T-shirt and I like that, and 3) five miles is far beyond my usual workout and so it would be one mile of running and four miles of whining and nobody wants to see that. It was a gorgeous spring day and there were more people in the race than in the town. The race is one of many activities on this day. There are inspirational speakers and other fund-raising events. Those who help organize this day have a special kind of dedication.
It does a really great thing, this race, this weekend. It honors those in the community, with their families, who have struggled with cancer. It honors their courage, despite the outcome. It also brings us together to do something about it. The funds go to research and support for those whose lives have been and will be affected by the disease. It brings us together to give in many ways. There is courage in that, too.