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Thoughts on the Red's Race
~ April 13, 2008 ~
City Hall, Dover NH
Dedicated in memory of my husband, Bill Paradis
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Blowing the starting horn today was moving and I am glad Kenny gave me that honor.
Ken Houle is A-1 in my book. He stayed with me during the Pledge of Allegiance.
I think it must have been his wife, Sue, & Chuck Z. who put together a nice
display of Bill's picture with his favorite #7? I know we have a lot of people
to thank and hope I don't leave anyone out. I got to wear #16 (the age when I met Bill,
the best day of my life). It was a nice touch, giving us our own numbers.
Andy Schachat was wonderful too. I couldn't have asked for it to go more smoothly today.
'Thanks' to everyone in the club.
What made it especially meaningful is that both my children came down to be with me.
Wayne ran a 37 min. or so race (very good). He felt good afterward, and Bill would
have been proud. Shana came down from Freeport and took pictures and stayed close to
me, for moral support. Also, my regular group of 'girls in training' were there,
Janet Glazier, Liz Bowden, Mary Ulinski-Shyska, Tracy (Burns) Gagnon, & Erica Stofanak
(a good bicycling friend of Bills, doing her very first road race!). These ladies helped
me get ready to run a five miler, and I crossed the finish line @ a 9:34 pace; it felt great.
ROCHESTER RUNNERS ROCK!
Sincerely,
Kathy & children, Wayne and Shana Paradis
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