Mo’ Smiles = Mo’s Miles

While my mother (Mo) was battling leukemia a group of her students came up with a wonderful way to raise money to help with the medical bills. They created shirts with a slogan that really defined what she had brought to so many over the years. Smiles. As a mother, teacher, and friend she taught many to never give up and to always laugh. So the shirts said we need “Mo’ Smiles.”

When I decided to embark on this little project (sorry, but I can’t think of a better word for it at the moment), Mo’ Smiles was my first choice for the site’s name. Unfortunately, it was taken by a dentist’s office – which I should have seen coming. So Mo’ Smiles became Mo’s Miles.

Today marks the 25th day since I started running, but also marks a more important anniversary. Acute myeloid leukemia took Mo one year ago today. She passed away the day after Thanksgiving after a courageous battle that lasted over eight months. Today is a sad day for me and my family, but one during which I can be proud. Proud of everything my mother was. And thankful that the fight to find a cure didn’t stop with her.

We all gave thanks for what we had two days ago, but give thanks again today. Thanks for your family and friends. Thanks for the people you know and the people you have known. Thanks for what tomorrow brings. Thanks for Mo.