running the race

I wrote this a while a couple of months ago. It talks about the day I was told I had cancer.I hope it helps.

As I walk into his office I look at my gray gym shirt. It has my number on it, 14.Then I look at my dad. He looks so solemn. I know he'd like to be anywhere but here. I feel the same way. The doctor walks in. His suit is pressed not a wrinkle on it. His octangular glasses lay across his nose. I think to myself" I want to go home! "The doctor sits down and looks at me and says "you have a rare tumor in your leg and it's cancer. "All the color drains from my face. How could this be? Not me! I'm never sick! I'm perfectly healthy! As I'm thinking this I look at my dad his, eyes are red, you know like when someone has been crying and is trying to hide it. He's trying to be brave for me. The doctor goes on to tell me I'll lose my hair. I tell him "I've always wanted to shave my head! "Doctor Ciztrom is speechless. I think I surprised him. I asked the doctor the one question that had been burning in me since I was told about my tumor." Will I be able to run again? " The silence was chilling. I knew the answer before a word was spoken." No" He said with genuine regret. My whole world stopped right then and there. A tear trickled down my face. Why me? My passion, my dreams, gone! If only I would have known before my last race. I would have done more or tried a little harder. Then it hit me. This is a test! Pass it.... I WILL pass.
Almost three years later I sit here and try to remember the last race I ran, the details slowly fading. I still miss the rush but things have changed now. My passion for running has not changed but my goals and dreams have. I've found new interests and new passions that I'm just as good at. Maybe the Olympic track star is gone but that drive and determination that set out to win is still there. There are so many things I wish I could do over. If only I would have known it would have been my last race. I would have tried harder or ran just a little faster. But you know what? I didn't know and I couldn't have done any better. I could sit here and think about all the what ifs and all the things that I wish I could have done Instead I'm going to move on and live my life to the fullest. I'm sure there are things you wish you could do over or you say to yourself, next time... Have you ever considered it could be your last? So many times people take forgranted the little things they do. The simple act of walking or even running could bring so much joy to someone. Remember, we know not what the future holds, live everyday to it's fullest. Don't put off till tomorrow, cause you may not have tomorrow. If there is someone you need to forgive, forgive him or her, if you miss the opportunity to say you love someone that could have been your last. Don't let a stupid fight keep friends from talking. Everyone needs a friend. Friends help make us who we are. A lifetime of missed opportunities could be a missed opportunity of a lifetime.