The most meaningful 5K

When I interviewed for my job almost six years ago, I met a woman with an incredible smile and an incredible personality to match. She made me feel welcome and comfortable immediately. I felt like I was talking to a friend throughout the interview.

When I asked others why they liked working there, they replied "the people." I could understand that response, if only for this woman. 

I got the job, and I got to know this woman a little better. She always had a smile, always had a funny story and always had a fantastic attitude. 

Unfortunately, a few years later, she was diagnosed with cancer. She kept her fabulous attitude, always smiling and never getting down. I've never seen someone go through such a serious illness with such grace. I never heard her utter a compliant.

Earlier this year, she died. 

On Saturday, my firm is participating in a run and walk that benefits a local cancer center in her honor. I'm proudly running the 5K.

I started thinking about my goal for this race: I want a better 5K time. But, then I realized my goal should be to enjoy every moment of this race. If a better time comes along with it, fabulous. If not, I'm honoring this woman with a smile, something she put on my face every time I was in her presence.