11/09/2024
I thank all of the Turkey Trotters joining us this year, who have joined us in the past, joined us in year one, or have joined us in every year.
This article was published in the Virginian Pilot only seven months after we lost our little Char-Char. It was published on Christmas Day. The first holiday without our baby.
I wrote this in those days because of each of you and all of you.
May this express my gratitude.
Looking for something new to do? Try the trot.
GIVING THANKS ON THANKSGIVING
By Elise Normile
Special to the Beacon
Editor's Note: The Beacon received this letter that Elise Normile wrote to thank participants in a Navy SEAL Foundation fundraiser. The racing event was named after Normile's 2-year-old son, Charlie, who died in May of this year in Virginia Beach.
Holidays can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one.
Holidays, frankly, can be difficult for anyone. Despite our best efforts, psychologists explain it is hard for a holiday to live up to the romanticized holiday images that Hollywood creates.
Our childhood memories are also highly magical pictures and moments that can paint adult holidays in shades of blue. Financial and personal losses or setbacks and exposure to grief, frustration and affliction can impair us from simply enjoying the moment or from suspending heart-aching grief for heartfelt gratitude.
Well, Turkey Trotters, we were the lucky ones. We created magic on Thanksgiving. We were the small town holiday cliche: the romanticized image of a happy town with loving silly neighbors that many Americans suspect no longer exists.
Our volunteer deejay spun records and children chased each other through adult legs. Breakfast, water and more were donated and served by our Sandbridge 7-Eleven.
Dogs and babies, twins, teens and grandparents walked, strolled and raced through the sandy beach streets of Sandbridge to the cheers of porch-side visitors.
Yes, we have lost. Charlie continues to rob our hearts, our thoughts and our focus. We also received letters from a Trot participant who lost his wife to breast cancer, and he was happy to celebrate with us and his three children.
A man with Stage 4 cancer walked our brisk mile. A newly widowed SEAL wife took time to sit with friends, watch the trotters and catch her breath.
Loss is not the ribbon that ties us. Nor is affliction. Compassion is the DNA that connects us all. Love for our children. Love for the silly moments. Love for our friends.
Yes, Turkey Trotters, we were the lucky ones. Thanksgiving morning was as great as your memories.
Jimmy Stewart could have filmed a holiday classic in our town. The sprinting little turkeys. The laughing police officers who were surrounded by the littlest runners. The starring role of so many children.
Perhaps one of the greatest vantage points of the race was provided by Elaine and Mark McConnell, owners of the Sandbridge Island restaurant. The Island was a lively atmosphere of rowdy conversations and large picture windows that framed the race and the runners.
Although the Island is approaching a seasonal downswing of business, the McConnells insisted on picking up the tab for the entire crowd. This is exactly who they are. Generous, old-school, cliche beach restaurant owners.
Yes, Turkey Trotters, we were the lucky ones. We were there for the first Thanksgiving race. We were the race. There will be more.
Thank you for your friendship, your love and your support. We are delighted you ran in honor of Charlie. We are grateful that you ran to support the Navy SEALS.
For this inaugural race in our grief of Charlie, I painted an acronym on my family's running shoes and pants. It was intended to remind them throughout the day to relish the crowd, to enjoy the friends and to admire the crowd of compassionate people.
The acronym was Y.N.W.A. - You Never Walk Alone.
Thank you dearly and deeply.
Warmest regards and heartfelt appreciation.
Charlie's Mom
www.charliestrot.com
