Actually, Our Fortunes Have Turned

Margaret Conley, RIP

A few hours ago, while sitting in Kansas City International Airport waiting to fly to my marathon this weekend, I wrote a tongue & cheek blog post about my recent good fortune and the hope that it would continue.  But in the cruelest twists of fate, when I landed a short time later at the Salt Lake City Airport, Michael called and told me that her mother had passed away.

Michael's mother, Margaret, had been ill for some time and fought an ongoing battle of multiple issues.  She had been admitted to the hospital last night, but we obviously didn't realize how serious the situation was.  Michael was, of course, very upset and I felt helpless being so far away, especially for something as meaningless as a race.  However, one of her sisters lives in our town so she was able to get with her.

With out a doubt the furthest thing from my mind right now is a silly race.  Michael and her family are my only concern.  The timing for something like this is never ideal, but it couldn't have been much worse for Michael and me right now.  Not because my marathon is obviously up in the air, there will of course be other races - but because logistically this thing is a nightmare.  Michael's parents are in New Mexico, most of the rest of her family is in Kentucky, we live in Missouri, her other sister lives in California, and I'm currently in Idaho.  So there are obviously a world of details to sort through.  But for now, I would really appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Michael and her family.  Margaret was a kind and loving mother, and she'll undoubtedly be missed.