Hope is a red balloon

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

I ran this morning as if a giant red bobbing balloon were tied to my wrist---a balloon that signified hope. My imaginary balloon floated over my head, weaving and bouncing in a joyous swell of accomplishment as I ran for the first time in about 9 days. My body was buoyant and relaxed. I was prepared for this day and my legs seemed to glide along effortlessly and smoothly, like my body was as weightless as a bright red balloon. It was a sunny moment.

I thought of the movie Murderball on the treadmill today. I thought of all those men and women who have become paralyzed and will never know the feeling of running again. I thought of how desperately they would try for the slightest string of hope. When I think of those who cannot walk it truly does make me thankful to run and to run consistently, often and with satisfaction.

I am thrilled to be back in action, to be a body in motion. As Newton stated: A body in motion will tend to stay in motion. And, I believe, a body in motion tied to a bright red bobbing balloon of hope will glide along in a fluid motion towards successes of all varieties.