We Will Never Forget

Last weekend I went downtown with my friend, Chelsea.

I took her to the OKC Memorial, and we walked around.

It always takes my breath away. Every time I see it. Even though it didn't ever impact me personally.

It happened ten years before I even moved here.

I remember coming down here to visit my cousins and my aunt taking us downtown to show us all the buildings that had fallen. I will never forget seeing all that rubble, even though I can't say it really moved me.

So this time, when Chelsea and I went to the Memorial, we were looking at the tiles that kids from the US had sent to Oklahoma to show their support.

As a student, probably in the 5th grade, I do not remember doing anything for Oklahoma.

I don't really even remember us even talking about it that much.

But looking at these drawings, I remembered that Oklahoma is called the Heartland.

And I remembered that we live in a country where unity matters.

I was reminded that if any one part of the body is hurting, other parts need to compensate to help it heal.

And I realized that I have such unnecessary spite for Oklahoma. Just because it doesn't have trees. And it doesn't grow apples. And it has cowboys. And that's not any way to treat any part of this country in which I am so lucky to live. Not even Texas.

I'm sorry, Oklahoma.

I'm sorry that you had to be hurt so badly.

But I love that a stupid bomb couldn't kill you.

And I love that even when I wasn't helping, people from everywhere were helping you heal.

I'll be running for you in April.

26.2 miles is the least I can do.