I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together (Updated)

I'm so glad we had this time together,
Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, "So long". --Carol Burnett theme song

Paul, K.C. Reed, Paul's dad Bob

Today was the day to say good-bye. The church was full. Not a surprise. Team R.E.D. had an excellent showing.

Thank you St. Cloud River Runners for making the trip down. Not pictured: the medical director and his wife. Gary worked the finish line assisting runners, Anne gave out finishers medals, Sharon is race director, and Ron was out cheering runners on the course and he and wife Bonnie hosted Rochester runners in their home. Ron also came down to Roch for a breakfast run, so has met many of the local runners.

Gary, Anne, Sharon, Ron

You couldn't help but like Paul. What are some of my favorite memories? That infectious laugh,

that crooked smile,

running hills,

Grandma's Marathon,

where I picked out these new shades for him,



Team R.E.D. skirt night (I made him that pink skirt),

Paul telling me I was going too fast the first mile of the Thursday Morning Progressive Run, making cookies without chocolate (Paul didn't like chocolate), and so much more. But what I will miss most is a friend.

As many of you know, Paul ran a Boston Qualifying time at Lake Wobegon last weekend. Last Sunday I contacted the B.A.A. requesting a posthumos honorary entry for Paul for 2012. Still waiting on an answer. I REALLY hope they grant this request.

Also, a local runner who's also an MD has volunteered to write an article for the RTC Newsletter (which has been on hiatus) from a physician's standpoint about sudden death in athletes. I was very eager for him to do so. So ... I'm going to resurrect the newsletter for one issue and I'd like it to be a kind of tribute to Paul. So if you have some funny Melby stories, fond memories, photos, ... please email them to me and I will include them.

I choose not to say "good-bye", but rather "until we meet again". Here's too a life well-lived. Indeed  ... very well. Run on my friend. Run on ...