The simple answer would be a mother, wife, teacher, runner and, unfortunately, a victim of a random act of violence.
On January 7, 2012 Sherry Arnold went out for a run near her home in Sidney, Montana and instead of returning home as she always did after her other runs, she was abducted and killed by two men who are now awaiting trial. Her body has not been found.
As someone with a background in Criminal Justice, I am aware that Sherry's circumstance is not the norm. Most acts of violence occur between non strangers, even though the media tries to portray otherwise. Sherry just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and it could have just as easily happened to you or me.
Who is Sherry Arnold?
The complicated answer is me, my mom, Mike's mom, Mike, you, your family and the entire running community. She is those individuals who spread the word about the virtual run through every social media source possible: blogs, twitter, facebook, pinterest and youtube. (We ran 8 miles today for her, as did every one else in the race whether they knew it or not).
Sherry Arnold is the runners of the past, the present and the future. She is the good that we can hang on to in order to continue doing what we, and she, love: run.
Do not fear the bad in this world, Sherry didn't.
I hope that you find the peace that you need Sherry and that your family is comforted, even if just for a moment, knowing that you and your memory will be carried on by this wonderful community.
You have found really good words for this post. It is so sad something like this happens, but this is how the world we live in is.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina!
DeleteI agree, I wish this wasn't the world we live in!
Getting a little choked up right now. I ran too - just a little over 5K. This is beautiful - I think you hit the point of why so many of us ran. She is all of us.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you ran!
DeleteThat was the point I was trying to convey, I'm glad the post resonated with you!
I apparently missed the memo about the virtual run, so I didn't run today. But some part of everyone one of my runs has been spent thinking about her and how I can run safer.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you and Mike got 8 miles in.
That's alright Rena, I think what you have done is the same idea! Everyone thinking about her at some point!
DeleteThanks for sharing all that with us, Jamie. I had heard about this, and did stop to think... that could be any one of us out there.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It definitely could have been anyone!
DeleteAwesome post, Jamie. Couldn't have said it better myself. I ran 7.63 miles yesterday for her. I wanted to do 15 but I took too long of a nap in the afternoon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin!
DeleteI'm glad you got out there and were able to run, and nothing wrong with napping! You are still going to kill your marathon, I am so excited for you!