What many of you might not know about me is that I battled
post partum depression after the birth of my son, Emanuel in 2009. My husband
deployed while I was 6 months pregnant and did not return until E was 7 months
old. I thought things would get better once he got back, but the reintegration
period was very difficult and I struggled with motherhood and being an Army
wife.
Then one day I stumbled upon an online ad for Stroller
Strides. I submitted my registration form online and immediately Joni responded
with an email. They were starting a new class on Schofield Barracks and I
attended my first class there in April of 2010.
I was the last runner and huffed and puffed my way through
those first classes. I was in awe of these women flying by me with their double
strollers. They were all very inspiring and I decided then and there that I
would make a change in my life. That summer I was encouraged by Michaela (an
instructor) to run a 5K. Two years later, I have run 26 races in Hawaii from 5K
to full marathon and everything in between. So suffice to say, finding SS
completely changed my Hawaii experience for the better.
Living on Oahu has been such a unique opportunity for me as
a military spouse. I have been able to meet so many other wives from different
branches and have learned so much from all of you. I have seen the support you
give each other whether your spouses are gone for one week or one year and
shared in the joy of welcoming them home. I consider myself lucky to have been
given an opportunity to work with all of you. Day after day, week after week,
pregnant, spouse deployed, getting ready to PCS or sometimes all three- you
guys are out there and you are giving 100% despite the extreme stress that I
know you are under. I am so proud of each and every one of you and have seen
you change right before my eyes from your first class. Emanuel will miss
everyone very much and are both thankful for the friendships we have made here.
Aloha and Mahalo for everything that you and Stroller Strides has given us.
