I missed a moment and I learned this Carlsbad Marathon moment counts. Actually, I’m learning every moment counts. Gift Horse In The Mouth
Carlsbad Marathon and I missed a difference-making moment. I didn’t share. I failed to be open. Stuck in my head, I forgot to make a present out of this exact moment. As one of the volunteers at the Running Gear tent at the event our charge was simple, but daunting. Our task: watch the gear of 13,000 runners while they raced and return their gear back. This was not what I signed up for. Honestly, I thought I was going to give away cool stuff. That was my problem. I looked a gift horse in the mouth. The Big Smile gave me an opportunity to make a world of difference and I messed up.
Thirteen Thousand versus Ten
Thirteen thousand-plus runners were registered. There were only ten of us. A 50+ year old nurse who was in charge of the running gear tent. Three grade school girls, three high school kids, (two sophomores and one junior), a 20-year old lifeguard, a Filipino nurse. And myself.
Gotta,Share
I don’t even remember their names. I never bothered to ask. I am sorry. They were an admirable crew and I missed out terribly. Under the circumstances, I admired them all. They reminded me of being human. My downfall was me. I fell in job-mode, put my head down, and went at it. I forgot to make it fun. These nine strangers probably did not know my name, either. This event reminded me that everyone is important, myself included. I have a responsibility to share.
Handsome high school boy was goofing around with the three young grade school girls. They thought he was cute. Handsome boy was hitting on the 20-year old female life guard. He thought she was cute. Overeager high school girl with the pleasing-everyone complex was running around like a chicken with no head. I had the same I can do everything air attitude. The HNIC* was a rock. She would not let negativity enter this thrown-together motley crew. I say "Heroes, all of them." Grade School kids under tremendous pressure were outstanding. They showed courage and spirit.Share Your Gifts
Organization-wise we could have been better. That was my gift. I missed on giving it. Looking back, I should have provided my knowledge, my experience, my insight. Instead, I just stayed in my head and I missed the moment. I’m sorry guys.
Seven hours we were there. I did not connect. Should have commended all of them for doing an great outstanding job. Should have told the handsome high school boy we need to keep his head and get in the game Should have thanked the nurse for not letting us lose our sh*t. I should have been present.
It's the Green Bag. . .
It is something. Thousands, no not hundreds, of people shouting their race numbers at the ten of us can be overwhelming. “162” “240” “2510” were what the runners shouted. Pointing at the the little girls saying its the green bag. There thousands of green bags. Thousands grabbed their bib numbers and pointed to where they thought their bag was. It was overwhelming. If I were the grade school girls, I would have left. I had that thought myself.
The 10 Held
All the runners just finished at least a 13 mile run, some did 26. Tired, frustrated and only wanting their gear returned, these people were frustrated. ID’s, car keys, wallets, clothes, plane tickets, medication—This all they wanted. Their frustrations were drowning us. Runners crossed the make shift barriers in impatience, rightly so at times. Yet, the amazing group persevered. The volunteers got them their gear back.
HNIC Kept Our Head Up
The look on the children's faces showed defeat, frustration, a sense that they were in over their heads. We all were. Head down, shoulders rounded, body shaking. It was a sight. I should have said, keep your head up. They will get their bags when we are ready to give them back. Those words would have empowered them. I should have said to the overeager girl not to leave the runners hanging if you can’t find a bad. Don’t just move on. I should have thanked HNIC for not letting us get down. “It’s here, we just misplaced. Everyone stop and look for this one bag,” said HNIC. It was amazing to see.
Moments Are Everywhere
I feel like crap now. I didn’t give them the opportunity to know me and I did not take the time to know them. I was lost in my head and I didn’t even know it. I was tired and depressed. I was so hung up that my cousin wasn’t able to run. I was hung up that it wasn’t what I expected as a volunteer. I missed the chance to make a difference. Please take the time, brief as it may be, to take the time. Moments are everywhere. Enjoy them.
I Promise To Do Better, To Be Present and Share My Gifts
The lessons these amazing strangers taught me was to laugh with strangers, flirt with everyone, and leadership can make all the difference in the world. The most important lesson was every moment is a present and it all counts. Stop letting yourself get in the way of enjoying the company of others. You have a responsibility to be present in the moment. Carlsbad Marathon Running Gear volunteers, I promise to be better. Lesson learned.
(*Head Nurse In Charge)
