I wanted to personally welcome Theresa Jackson from the east coast to the Race For Grief event in 2015. I was touched by her email to me and asked to share it with you. My heart breaks for her not being able to be a mother but I am so thrilled to see her breaking out of her cocoon to be the best version of herself. So inspiring! Thank you for sharing Theresa! I look forward to meeting you on Memorial Day to honor your babies with us!
Coach Lora Erickson
Shared to the FB page here: https://www.facebook.com/RaceForGrief
Dear Coach Lora,
I want to thank you for creating the Race for Grief. Although I am a 44 year old, non-runner, I am registered for the 10k event in May! I will be traveling from Florida and proudly running to honor my babies.
Since 1998, I’ve been consumed by what I couldn’t do…have a child. After losing 5 pregnancies, I also lost my ability to have children at the age of 28. My whole life I wanted to be a mom, nothing else seemed very important. After my hysterectomy, I existed under a veil of grief.
About 10 months ago, I realized my babies needed to be acknowledged & I was not living a life that honored them. I had formed a protective cocoon around myself, while safe, it wasn’t fulfilling. I began working with a few pregnancy loss groups, the older, over-experienced member. I found great solace in helping these younger women. I became a certified End of Life Doula to help support others through life’s final transition. Around the same time, registration opened for your event…so here I am.
While the idea of running is very intimidating, it’s time for me to break out of my cocoon. Although not a mother, I need to be the best version of me. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such a personal, beautiful event as part of my healing journey.
With gratitude,
Theresa Jackson
