The article recounts a deeply personal journey of grief and transformation following the author's sister's battle with breast cancer. After her sister's diagnosis, the author dedicated herself to supporting her during a difficult two and a half years. In a painful final conversation, the sister urged the author to promise to live life to the fullest for both of them. Initially struggling to cope with grief and loss, the author eventually finds solace and purpose in running, using it as a way to honor her sister and embrace life despite past unhappiness.
I immediately purchased a one-way plane ticket to stay with her and help with my 2-year-old nephew and newborn niece. Over the next two and a half years, I watched my once strong and bossy sister slowly become bedridden.
She then asked me to promise to live a life for both of us, doing the things she wouldn't be able to do. She encouraged me to create happiness despite whatever difficult decisions I'd have to make.
I was in denial for years. I lacked direction, strength, and self-worth. Running became my outlet for grief. When I'd get tired and wanted to stop, I pictured my sister in her wheelchair.
At 27, I was deeply cognizant that I had no guarantee of time. Like everyone else, I thought I had decades before thinking about mortality, let alone a bucket list.
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