For 40 minutes

Like almost all Happy Valleyians my life changed on Monday as the "Sandusky Scandal" broke and all over our beautiful countryside sadness descended.  I got up, got moving and headed to the gym to get in a morning run. I started in at a steady pace with a sincere desire to burn through some of the stress!

That plan quickly got derailed as Jerry Sandusky stepped onto the nearby stairclimber.  It was a moment of shock. I nearly fell off the treadmill because my mind froze and body clenched so solidly I couldn't move.   That moment will stand still in my memory for the rest of my life. 

I recovered quickly, I think the denial kicked in and my body just reacted.  I didn't make eye contact, I didn't say a word, I just kept running. 

For 40 minutes I thought about what I would say, SHOULD say to the man.  For 40 mins I thought about the victims, I felt the waves of emotions - shock, sadness, disgust, anger.  I wiped both sweat and tears. I prayed for healing and justice.  And for 40 mins I thought about what an awe inspiring honor it is to have young people entrusted into your care.  An honor to be allowed to impart knowledge and even in the smallest way shape a child's vision of all their future could hold.

I took that 40 minute run on the treadmill on Monday morning and got more than a good workout.  I got a solid resolve. A resolve that one man's choices WILL NOT hinder the good works I am trying to do with Girls on the Run of Happy Valley!  I got a resolve to make sure checks and balances are in place, that thoroughly interviewing volunteers will never be pushed down the priority list, that following processes and procedures to the letter isn't EVER being too diligent, and listening to the children is never a waste of time.

As the treadmill slowed and my workout ended, I didn't make eye contact, I didn't say all the things I'd rehearsed in my head.   My resolve and I turned our back on shock, sadness, disgust, anger and reaching for my GOTR water bottle we walked out into the beautiful valley with a commitment to the future.