I was reminded this weekend how powerful having a passion can be.

The Marine Corps marathon runners ran right by my house Sunday morning. I love the event as I get to watch friends, neighbors, and inspirational runners give it all they’ve got during this 13.1 mile challenge. We are at the top of a hill, and it is one of several, so the race is no easy feat.

I don’t know if you can see in this photo, but take a close look.

The hand cyclist was struggling to make it to the top of the hill, and several runners stopped to cheer him on and applaud. I wish you could have heard the loud yelling of encouragement as he pushed himself.
I watched a woman run on two artificial legs, an elderly man taking one small step at a time, and one of our hometown runners who started in last place, determined to raise money for every person he passed. He thinks it was 5,600 and he finished in 28th place!

Later that day, we drove to Arena State where we saw Ruined, an emotional play about a woman who  “both protects and profits from the women whose bodies have become battlegrounds ‘ruined’ by the brutality of government soldiers and rebel forces alike.”

The acting was superb, and although the stage sits surrounded by audience members, I was transported to the Congo. Jenny Jules, who played Mama, was amazing. Her passion for her craft brought the play to life, and I was engrossed until the end when I finally breathed.

To watch people who care so much for what they do was both moving and inspirational. We owe our students the chance to discover whatever it is that makes them feel life is worthwhile and good.