Friday afternoon saw the last show of the USA leg of our USO -With You All The Way Tour.

And what a tour it was. We shared tears, fears, laughter, compassion and hope with over 60 000 children this year. Yes, 60 000. Uh huh, I am a little tired, but each and every one of the hundreds of performances we did, inspired me, fueled me and touched me in so many different ways.

Friday’s show was no different. In fact it was very powerful and a wonderful way to end the tour.

During the performance I talked to the kids about the importance of compassion, kindness and friendship. As I was talking I noticed a little third-grade boy, sitting cross-legged on the floor, rest his head on his knees. (I found out later that his dad is a wounded warrior and, as one might expect, this has been a very tough for time for the little guy.)

I could see that he was crying quietly. Then something truly remarkable happened. The boy sitting next to him leaned over and very gently put his arm around him, rested his head on the crying boy’s shoulder and gently patted him on the head.

It was deeply moving.

This act of carting is what the whole tour is all about. Sharing, caring and daring to make a difference in someone else’s life.

I love to run.

Especially on days like today.  There was a magnificent sunrise. White swans floated silently through the mist rising from the Colorado River that runs near my house.

The stirring city was so silent this morning.  All I heard was my breath and the rhythm of my feet striking the path as I ran along the hike and bike trail that meanders alongside the river.

I love to run.

Especially on days like today. Where my breath comes easily and my muscles work comfortably, in unison, like a well-greased machine.

I love to run.

Especially on days like today when the words of my high school coaches – telling me I was not good enough to make the team and that I should join a club or play chess – mean nothing.

I love the fact that today I don’t need to be PICKED to run.

I don’t need permission to run.

I don’t need to try out to run.

I love the fact that I CHOOSE to run.

After failing as an athlete, in the eyes of the coaches throughout my school life, I enjoy the fact that I CANNOT and WILL NOT be cut from my team, this team of one, by anyone other than myself.

I love to run.

Especially in different places like Boston, Cape Town, Bujumbura, London, Nairobi and even Bronkhorstspruit.

I love to run.

Especially at dawn when I feel the spirit of my late dad running alongside me, the two of us breathing as one.