January 29, 2010

Dear 2010 Brooke,

As I said yesterday, this song caught my attention.  I considered (briefly) plagerizing and making this my letter to me, but I know that some of my readers are Christian music fans, and how embarassing would it be to be caught...



Here are the lyrics for those of you who can't watch the video:

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,




Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,


Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,


Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,



From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,


Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say

Since I'm going to be honest and write the letter myself...here goes.

Dear 2010 Brooke,

This past year was one of tremendous growth for you.  2009 Brooke was no where to be found!! 

After a couple months of training - you set a brand new personal best at the Covenant Health 5K.  Who would believe you'd run a 10 minute mile?  Jay You certainly didn't.  Remember what it feels like as you cross the finish line.  Never forget that moment of total victory.

Of course you reran all the same races from last year, each time setting a new personal course record.  First the SMARM 5K, then the West Hills race - the hills will kick your butt again.  Period.  This time you better your time AND you don't feel like you're going to puke as you cross the finish.

The new of running has worn off for your family - don't expect them to meet you at the finish line as they did all last year.  This is old hat to them.  You still have the stuffed animal the Princess gave you at West Hills - keep it close by, hug it often.  With every hug, remember that she is with you in spirit at each race.  Just as you will be when she grows up to compete.

Then there is the matter of this Disney marathon coming up.  The training totally helped you kick it into high gear for the Oak Ridge Half.  Shaving 15 minutes off your time?  A completely crazy goal, but I'll let you in on a secret - You totally do it.  There is no trotting, no getting passed by an old lady in a back brace, or a walk/runner who speeds up when you pass her so she doesn't have to be last. 

You jog the entire race at a respectable pace, then you report back for training Monday morning.  A week of rest?  You don't have time for that nonsense - you have a full marathon to train for!!!

As I write you this letter, I can't help but be nervous.  You've made a lot of progress in 2010, but you left me with some work to do.  First there is the matter of 26.2 miles that you've signed me up for.   No thanks to you, some of those nagging insecurities are still in my head.  Can I do it?  Am I tough enough?

You've proved to me that I am, but it looks like this month I'm going to have to prove it again.

There is so much more I could share with you, but I think its best to leave it at that.  Love yourself, take care of yourself - oh and don't forget to love that husband of yours!

Love, 2011 Brooke

23 comments:

  1. I love your letter Brooke. And the Disney Marathon? Go you! I am pledging to run the Princess Half Marathon next year. I guess I should have added started running again to my letter! I can't wait to see all that this year has in store for you.

    And yes, I am talking about painting the walls, when I do it I will post photos!

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  2. 2011 Me wants to high-five you for all that work you did in 2010!!! But you'll just have to see it for yourself!! I can't wait to be on this ride with you!!

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  3. Love the letter!!! Such a good idea!

    The Sidewalk Prophets rock!!! I know the drummer, Justin. I went to college with him!!! Small world :-)

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  4. This is a great idea! And, I know you won't let the 2011 Brooke down.

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  5. Look at you with your homework done already! The 2010 you has a good grasp on what you want to do for the upcoming year! Way to go!

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  6. wanna know the story behind that SWP song? Dave, the lead singer, had a granfather that was in the hospital dying and he couldn't be there with him. So, Dave wrote this song for him. A little sad... but what a testimony: To be able to say "Grandpa-be strong, don't give up. Don't fear. God is in control." All the while knowing that his Grandpa would be going home to be with Jesus.

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  7. Brooke, you WILL surpass all of your goals and YOU WILL finish th Disney Marathon. You are awesome!

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  8. Brooke, your letter made me cry. Maybe it's because you've been with us since the beginning, and I know how much you've struggled and how much you've OVERCOME! I am so proud of you. SO proud. Proud like you are my little sister for real, and I just want to hug you tight.

    You are going to rock this year, and I'm so glad I'll get to be along with your for the ride.

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  9. Brooke! You are so amazing! Do you know that?
    I'm so proud of you, what you've accomplished and where you're going. What ever you set your mind to, you can do it!

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  10. Congrats with running your races. You rock, girl. Keep it up.

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  11. Wonderful letter, Brooke! You're going to accomplish so much in this next year! BTW, I never doubt that you'll do sub-ten minute miles. You rock!

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  12. Your letter rocks. I really like how many races you do. I also really like the song you posted. Very thought provoking. Thanks.

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  13. Love it!!! =)

    I'm considering the Disney marathon...

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  14. Brooke, I loved your letter and the message in that song is so powerful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  17. Brooke I am so proud of how far you have come in your running since I started reading your blog( and took a vacation from blogging) Hang in there girl, of course you can do it! :)

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  18. Wow! Such amazing accomplishments - Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!

    OH, LOVE that song!

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  19. I love it! & I love the song, too! I'm sure you'll accomplish everything you set out to do! You inspire me.

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  20. That is awesome Brooke...you are going to have a great 2010...and glad I'm gonna be able to cheer you along!

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  21. Thanks for using my film in your blog!

    www.room28ministries.blogspot.com

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what up yo?