I did not know Meg Menzies. And I’m sorry I missed my opportunity. In a heart wrenching story with the cruelest of ironies, Meg lost her life on Monday, January 13, 2014. Meg was out for a morning run around 8:00 a.m. when she was hit by a car driven by a doctor, presumably on his way to work.
The doctor was charged with D.U.I. which somehow makes this senseless tragedy seem even more devastating. Not that any loss is not tragic enough, but you can’t help but think that this accident was so preventable. The irony is that the doctor is a runner himself who lost his wife to a distracted driver years before. From news reports, Meg’s police sergeant husband is known for giving talks to local groups about the dangers of drinking and driving.
While I never met Meg, I know many who called her a friend. By all accounts she was a warm, loving mother of three who was gracious and kind. She was an avid runner, training for the 2014 Boston Marathon. A race that just last year galvanized the running community worldwide because of the bombing tragedy in April. Many vowed after the bombing in 2013 to make the 2014 Boston Marathon a race to show that the running community was stronger and more resilient than the attackers. It was a pledge that runners like Meg took seriously.
Once again, our strength and resilience are being tested. Despite the unbearable loss of one of our own, the running community has united over the senseless loss of a beautiful soul. This Saturday, a virtual run is happening all over the world. Meg’s Miles will allow people to run or walk and honor the life of the ever-beautiful and loving Meg Cross Menzies. Already runners and non-runners alike around the world are pledging their support. We can also do more. Shirts are being sold to honor Meg with all of the proceeds going to support her husband and kids.
Since I heard the news on Monday morning, I have thought of Meg a thousand times. My heart breaks. I can’t imagine the pain others who knew her well must be suffering. And the profound loss that her family is experiencing is beyond words.
This story does not have a fairytale ending, but it is one from which we can all learn. There are obvious lessons about being mindful and present of distracted or impaired drivers and of giving the road our utmost attention when we are behind the wheel. But from what I’ve learned about Meg from the many reports about the person she was, I think Meg would tell us to love life and the people in it who make it so special. Indeed, life is precious and often too short. Don’t take a day for granted. Don’t miss an opportunity to hug your kids or tell your spouse that you love them.
We each have a chance to lace up our running shoes for another day. It’s a pleasure and privilege we usually take for granted. One that we sometimes even complain about, but in hindsight…never should.
This week and for the weeks to come, I hope that you do as I will. Pause for a moment. Be thankful for the day. And embrace the gift of life and love that Meg so exemplified.
I hope you will join me wherever you are and log some miles for Meg on Saturday. In loving tribute to someone who touched so many.
