Pretend you’re on a five-mile run, and at every mile marker, there is a photo of someone in your past who is cheering you on. Call out a brief thank you to them as you run by and describe how you feel as you cross the finish line.

Mile 1 – My Mother
Thank you, Mom, for truly seeing me so I felt connected, valued, and loved. You showed me how to age with grace and live fully right up to the last moment.

Mile 2 – My Father
Thank you, Papa, for your unconditional love. Your steady presence still walks beside me every day, and I do my best to pass along that same pure love to those I cherish.

Mile 3 – My Husband
Thank you, Ray, for urging me to embrace the full range of my emotions—including anger—and for reminding me that admitting mistakes is not weakness but strength.

Mile 4 – My Daughters and Their Partners
Thank you, Sarah and Gregorio, Liz and Ron, and Rachael and Andrew, for keeping me honest, nudging me to grow, and loving me exactly as I am.

Mile 5 – My Grandchildren
Thank you, Luna, Nico, Lyla, and Ethan, for the joy of loving you and being loved in return. You brighten my life a thousandfold.

The Finish Line
Crossing the finish line, I feel a deep happiness knowing I am cheered on by loved ones from every stage of life—parents who shaped me, a husband who stands beside me, daughters and their partners who walk with me, and grandchildren who light the future ahead. And I know these cherished faces are only a fraction of the many who have encouraged me and kept me moving forward—family, friends, students, teachers, priests, and fellow writers.

I am profoundly grateful for this circle of love and support. Thank you all for being so generous with your hearts.