Holly's News Conference

That's what Holly wrote, that she felt like calling a news conference about the good news her doctor gave her earlier today. "I'm just really grateful that everything worked out the way that it did and that I am still able to get out and do what I enjoy. Plus, it's really nice to be on a relay team that is patient when I'm out there running. Next year the next runner won't get quite as much rest."

I felt lucky last year that we were able to include some "strangers" on our little team of running musicians. Of course, those strangers included Denise and Brian, Maeve, Alan and Marie who joined us from Houston, and Holly, who joined us from over near College Station. The team melded together immediately and we all felt blessed with new friendships. That's one of the reasons I felt it so important to keep everyone involved from last year as we added the additional links of Fred and Dorian. I was elated, and I know everyone else was too, when we finally figured out how to get Maeve back running with us.

Now, please follow along with this story and we'll all see how special it will be if we can run this exact same team at next year's TIR. As I pulled together this and that for the 2009 team I stumbled upon a blog which Holly had begun just after last year's race and I was moved by her admission that joining a bunch of complete strangers for a 203 mile relay was not something which came naturally for her. She went on to say what a great time she had. This is a testament to what a great group of people had come together to make our 2008 Mid-Texas Symphony team. The relay came and went and we all went our separate ways. I heard a short time later from Holly that she had taken a spill while running and had broken her arm. These things happen. I wished her a rapid recovery.

When the Rock'n'Roll San Antonio Marathon came around in November I heard from several of our team who were going to run. Holly volunteered that she had gone through some surgeries but was determined to complete the marathon. My assumption was that the broken arm was a little complicated and had required some additional procedures to make everything right. Little did I know......

Holly writes:
"Last October I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had surgery twice in October and ran a little in November. In December I had to go on the diet from hell and have a radiation treatment (no running at all in December). January was spent trying to adjust to my medication (very little running). I just got back from the doctor and there is no sign of the cancer - to celebrate, I'm going to concentrate on increasing my speed. Look out Maeve, here I come!

"Just thought I'd share the good news!"

I have always been amazed at the multitude of lessons we learn from running. And then there are the unexpected lessons from our team experiences. Would any of us have ever imagined the satisfaction which comes from sharing within a team? The little bit extra we all find within ourselves in order to make the team finish stronger and better? And now....WOW....to have Holly share such great news with us. Continued recovery and good health, Holly. I can't wait until we can all celebrate face to face, sharing the miles again or just counting our blessings that we have all been privileged to come to know each other as this odd assortment of friends, runners and musicians. May these friendships last forever.