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Strangers Inspire Us to Feel a Warmth Within
By J. Taylor
Updated: Feb. 12, 2021
Originally Published: May 25, 2019
In a world inundated with disheartening news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negativity. Today’s headlines often polarize us more than ever before. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there are many individuals striving to uplift others. As cliché as it may sound, these moments of kindness remind us to appreciate the positive aspects of being part of a supportive community and highlight that we are more than just our individual experiences.
A recent uplifting story features two supportive strangers, Mia Johnson and Emma Lee, who met during the Pittsburgh Marathon. Before this encounter at the 14-mile mark, they were complete strangers. However, they quickly became each other’s strongest cheerleaders, promising to finish together, no matter how long it took. “If you stay with me, I’ll stay with you,” Mia recalled.
They may not have finished first, but they crossed the finish line hand in hand, just as they had promised. Over the course of their more than three-hour journey together, they provided each other with encouragement, held hands to maintain their pace, and even video called Emma’s family for extra motivation. When Emma struggled during her first marathon, Mia drew on her own six years of experience to offer reassurance, as noted by sports writer Jacob Meschke.
Their story is heartening for a couple of reasons. First, it beautifully illustrates the power of mutual support in challenging situations. Without each other, who knows how their experience might have turned out? Rather than memories marred by regret, they now share a story of perseverance.
The second takeaway is that finishing a race, regardless of time, is just as commendable as coming in first place. Such values are essential to celebrate. Although they missed the seven-hour cut-off, both Emma (7:22:56) and Mia (7:24:58) finished 3,420th out of 3,422 participants, yet a few dedicated volunteers stayed behind to welcome them across the line.
In contrast, the treatment of later-stage runners at the London Marathon earlier this year was far less supportive. Elizabeth Brooks shared her experience online, which resonated with many. She described being rushed by cleaning crews while running her race, leading to a frustrating lack of resources. “We got to mile 3, and there was no sign of a water station; it had all packed up and gone,” she recounted.
This experience starkly contrasts the support Mia and Emma received. Unfortunately, the London Marathon seemed to fail its slower participants, highlighting a need for inclusivity in running events.
On the other hand, the camaraderie exhibited by Mia and Emma serves as a perfect example of how all participants deserve respect and encouragement, reminding us that the joy of completing a marathon surpasses the importance of clocking in at a particular speed.
We hope that the experience shared by Mia and Emma encourages others to remember that a marathon is about completing a personal journey, not just racing against the clock. If you’re interested in similar topics, you might want to check out this article on home insemination kits. For those looking to boost their fertility, this resource provides valuable tips. Additionally, the CDC is an excellent source for information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the stories of Mia and Emma remind us that kindness and support in our communities can bring warmth to our lives. Their journey shows that it’s not always about how fast you finish but about the bonds you create along the way.
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