It all started with a tweet.
“Hey Julie, what would you say ab taking your TNT experience to the radio airwaves?”
Radio is like TV except no one is going to e-mail me about how bad my hair looks (oh, the stories I could tell). So, I’m in.
So, just a few days before Christmas Mary Liebman (TNT staffer), Barb Stinson (ING Coach), and me are sharing a roomy booth with Q100’s Matt Jones. For 20 minutes we chat about Team in Training. Mary talks about fundraising, Barb talks about coaching, and I talk about how great Mary and Barb are.
The twenty minute community segment plus some 60 second spots will run on Cumulus radio stations (like Q100) in January. I think they jumped the gun though because I just got an e-mail: “I totally heard you on the radio yesterday morning! I don’t know if it was live or a replay of an earlier broadcast, but it was pretty cool.”
It’s the first time I’ve been called cool since perhaps 5th grade. So, obviously, this is a big success.
If you hear the spot and are inspired to join, visit: http://www.teamintraining.org/ga/. If you want to e-mail me to tell me how bad my hair looks: jwolfe@11alive.com. If you feel pity that I actually get those kinds of e-mails, you can make it up to me by donating to my TNT fundraising efforts by clicking here.
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I celebrated an early Christmas with my two little nephews last week. I am still recovering, but I did pick up some running advice along the way.
Running is Glee. When my 2-year-old nephew runs, his little legs are just a blur and he lets out this high-pitched shrieking giggle. It is pure joy. Granted… he is usually running away from me… but his obvious glee is contagious. I enjoy a run AFTER it’s over. The sense of accomplishment is what makes me feel good about running, but after watching my nephew, I vow to enjoy the run itself more.
Gravity is the Enemy. Sometimes we make this running thing too complicated. Set me loose in a running store and I will convince myself I cannot run without the latest fancy GPS, iPod tracker, shoes, socks, tights, hat, shorts, bra, underwear, hand warmers. Running is really quite simple: put one foot in front of the other. The only enemy in runing (or even walking) is gravity: just watch my 8-month-old nephew learn to walk. But as long as you cross the finish line upright (almost everyone does), you beat gravity. And now that you know your chances are pretty good, it’s all a matter of degrees.
Purell is the Nectar of the Gods. I thought my sister (and all those moms) with bottles of Purell attached to everything were going a little overboard. I mean, I didn’t have that wimpy hand sanitizer when I was a kid and I turned out just fine, right? So, during my week with the nephews, I washed my hands religiously (like I always do), but I didn’t really partake in the 6-times-daily Purell rub…. And I got really, really sick. There are few things more frustrating to a runner than being sidelined. After six days without running, I’ve changed my mind. I’m willing to do anything I can to get better and stay well for the rest of my ING Training. So, pass the Purell, please.
Click here to find out how you can help Team in Training.
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Sometimes, you just have to let things simmer, and they turn out awesome. This was one of those weeks.
I’ve been struggling on sticking to the Team in Training schedule. I just came off running a great half marathon. I feel strong. I feel fast. Sticking to the low mileage at the beginning of the ING training has been hard. Our coach, Barb Stinson, sent out an e-mail warning against pushing too hard: “Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.” I have a clear running goal: finish the ING Georgia marathon in under four hours (the bigger goal: raise money to help find a cure). I’ve tried (and failed) in the past to run a sub-four marathon. I tried it my way, it didn’t work. Now, I’m trying it this way. And this week, something just clicked.
I’m feeling so good on my runs, so strong. I know things will get a lot harder, but I have a good feeling I’ve hit my stride for training (and found some great TNT runners at my pace to keep me company!).
I’m using my new motto “Running is like soup” to keep me on track (thanks, Barb for these tips)!
1. Training for a marathon is like slow cooking. The best way to ruin the recipe is to turn up the heat. Easy does not have to mean slow, it means at the proper distance and effort.
2. REST and SLEEP are like a good rich stock. Without it, your base is too thin, with it, you can get much more flavor.
3. Another vital important ingredient to successful training is warming up properly and stretching after your run.
4. Are you adding a dash spice with that some CROSS TRAINING? Give those joints a break once a week.
5. Keep stirring the pot.
So, my fellow runners: bundle up and run this weekend…. then, warm up with a cup of soup!
Help me Reach my Team in Training Goal! Click here to go to my TNT page.
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I rarely get to watch weather coverage from home. Usually, I’m the one out in the flood/snow/sleet/ice reporting on conditions. This week, my vacation happened to straddle a “snow day”. After growing up outside of Detroit and Chicago, then working in Cheyenne and Buffalo, I don’t really consider anything under 6 inches a real snow day, hence the “ “.
Still, there’s nothing to make it feel like Christmas like a little white stuff. Even if it’s just a teeny, tiny bit of it. So, I was watching the warnings when I heard a “bing”: new e-mail.
The subject line: “Here’s your chance to show what you’re made of”. It was from the Team in Training ING Coach, Barb Stinson.
It read: “Weather doesn’t look so hot for the morning. Do we care?….well honestly, yes we do because who wants to go out and run in cold and rain…but will we do it anyway??? Yes! Because it really is kinda fun and we need to train in ALL conditions. TEAM IN TRAINING ROCKS…NO WIMPS!!!!!”
I think it’s TNT’s version of the “I double-dare you”. And the truth is: it really is kind of fun. The why is simple: inside each of us there’s a little kid. The stress of work and life buries that inner-kid pretty deep for most of us. There’s nothing like a snow day to rip through all of that and make us act like kids again. Don’t believe me? Next time we get a little snow, go to Piedmont Park and take a look around. Who’s throwing snow balls? Building snowmen? Pushing someone down the hill on a make-shift sled? Yes, there are kids. But they are matched (sometimes outnumbered) by adults.
Maybe the fountain of Youth is really made of snowflakes.
Our Saturday morning run turned out to be pretty nice. It stopped raining before we started. No Snow. Bummer. I’m looking forward to meeting that dare sometime soon.
Click Here to see my TNT home page.
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Recently, someone asked me about my Thanksgiving traditions. I only have one and it’s really simple: I work. I recently read a Facebook post from a veteran reporter. After 15 years at the same station, he got Thanksgiving off for the first time. Using that mark, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving 2021.
For 11,000 runners (including many TNT members), a Thanksgiving tradition starts at 7:00 in the cold for the Atlanta Track Club’s Thanksgiving Marathon and Half Marathon. (I’ve run this a few times BEFORE I exchanged my holidays for a paying job in local news!) This morning, I somehow convinced my morning producer to let me cover the race live during our morning show. I consider this a victory (which I will immediately pay for by working a midnight shift leading into Black Friday).
Earlier in the week, I met Noreen Zuniga and Katie Allen. Their son/brother was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2003. Watch their story here. Daniel is in remission. Perhaps more amazingly, when I asked what he was thankful for, he listed the expected friends, family, health… and then the surprise, “Well, I’m also thankful for cancer.” What?!
For three years, Daniel was in chemo fighting for his life. Cancer stole his teenage years and took away his high school football career. His sister left college to be with him. His mother had to take a leave of absence. Daniel’s explanation is simple: “I’m the person I am today because of cancer. If it wasn’t for cancer, I wouldn’t have met my wife. It’s made me very thankful for everything in my life.” Daniel met his wife at Camp Sunshine. They were married in June.
Daniel’s story is one of the good ones. 
He survived. He knows he is lucky.
On Thanksgiving, Daniel’s mom and sister finished their first half marathon with Team in Training. I’m glad I worked this holiday. It reminds me why I joined Team in Training. It reminds me I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
P.S. Congrats to all the Thanksgiving runners!
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According to Wikipedia: “the Hokey Pokey became popular in the USA in the 1950s. . . According to popular legend they [writers] created this novelty dance in 1949 as entertainment for the ski crowd at Idaho’s Sun Valley resort.” (Sounds to me like the crowd may have been enjoying a few hot toddies at the time.)
A Pre-K teacher I know tells me the Hokey Pokey has transformed from a drinking game to a teaching tool. It helps her kids learn right from left, and more importantly, to FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Have you ever seen a Pre-K classroom? It’s like a zoo! Those teachers have the souls of saints and a series of tricks to get their kids to do what they’re supposed to do.
I know a few adults that could use a round of Hokey Pokey.
When it comes to training for a marathon, we know what we SHOULD do. We just don’t always do it. Life gets in the way. And by life, a mean a series of excuses.
I ran with Team in Training for the first time Wednesday night. It was an “unofficial” run and a hodge-podge group of runners preparing, recovering, and tapering for marathons.
Meeting people in a running group is not like meeting people at a happy hour mixer. Eventually, you might cover all the same topics, but the order is off. Instead of starting with “What do you do?” It’s “What are you training for?” and then a comparison of past races. During this rundown, a runner named Brenda said she cut an hour off her marathon (from 6 hours to five) by following her training schedule. AN HOUR! The coach made a joke about what happens when you follow directions.
Part of our Team in Training packet includes a very specific training schedule. It will be my map to navigate me through the next five months. Here’s a similar training schedule if you’re thinking about running a marathon. I’m hoping, like Brenda, following the schedule to the letter will help me cut time. My goal is simple: I want to finish under four hours. It’s something I haven’t been able to do. It’s also on my “To Do Before I turn 30” list. I have one more chance at that, so I better get it right. If I follow directions, I think I can.
Don’t forget: You can follow me on twitter @JulieWolfe and help raise money for TNT by visiting my TNT webpage.
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The e-mail subject line read: “It’s what you’ve been waiting for”. Sounds like a spam ad, right? It was actually an e-mail from a friend announcing celebratory plans for her birthday this Friday. As we get older, our nights out turn into a “choose your own adventure”. To (a) just go to dinner, turn to page 10:00; (b) join in after dinner drinks, page 12:00, (c) dancing, page 2:00AM.
Choices are generally based on who has a husband, boyfriend, kids waiting at home. In my case, it’s usually based on how much coffee I can consume since my Fridays start with a 2:00AM wake up and 3:30AM shift at 11Alive.
I was just about to hit the “reply” button; when I remembered I have plans Saturday morning. Early plans. Team in Training meets Saturday mornings for our long runs together. This Saturday will be my first official team run.
I’ve heard some people say training for a marathon is a part-time job. I’ve run several marathons, and that seems like an exaggeration to me. But, there’s no question: say goodbye to your Saturdays.
At the beginning, you’re just running three or four miles. By the time you finish, most people are just waking up. You think: I can squeeze this in like a secret life: no problem! By the time you peak you’re running for three hours. You finish, get home, take an ice bath, and eat. It’s already past noon and you think: bring on the Saturday! But you just ran 20 miles, burned 2,000 calories. You’re tired and not in the mood to go for a hike, help with yard work, stand in line for anything. All those things you used to do on Saturdays. So instead, you take a nap.
I once read an article that said if you want to run a successful marathon, you can’t just run like a runner; you need to live like a runner. That means getting enough sleep, eating the right food, and training during the week. All of that takes time.
Don’t get me wrong: the exchange rate is a good one. You give up your lazy Saturday mornings for a life-changing experience. You’ll feel better: inside and out. For Team in Training, it’s an even better exchange rate: you’re helping save lives. And once you get that marathon itch, it’s an obvious choice.
So, goodbye Saturday. See you on March 27th; after the ING Georgia Marathon.
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I’m very nervous about this weekend. I’m cheating for the first time … on my shoes.
As I stare at my beat up Asics, I remember all the good times. We’ve run through a marathon, another Peachtree, all those rainy/snowy/sunny days. I look into that gray soul. I’m sorry. It’s not you, it’s me.
OK, that’s a lie. It’s you. You’re old. You’re dirty. You’re just not the same shoe. So, I’m upgrading.
After a short afternoon run, I headed to The Big Peach Running Company to search for my new soul mate. (Just to be clear- I love our local running stores, but in the past, I’ve bought running gear from every place from Phidippides to Dick’s to Target—and once, a garage sale.)
When you buy running shoes from a running store, it’s a bit like a visit to your doctor’s office. First, an exam, and then a diagnosis. It can be a little embarrassing if you’re as self-conscious about your run as I am.
First, you take off your shoes. (OK, maybe I should have done this BEFORE my afternoon run.) You stand on a foot digital analysis machine. It measures different pressure points that show up on a big screen in a rainbow of red, orange, and blue. The very helpful employee used one of those screen pens that sportscasters use to draw lines on the TV. I felt like my feet were on ESPN.
Then, you lace on a pair of shoes and run on a treadmill. A camera tapes your run so you can figure out what shoes are best for your gait. This is where it got a little weird.
See, I don’t do treadmills. I think in a past life, I must have died in a terrible, painful treadmill accident. It’s the only way to explain why I hate them so much. It’s probably been eight years since I stepped on one. So, my treadmill run is awkward and uncomfortable. When my taped run was clearly inconsistent (over pronating…no, wait… neutral… no wait…hmmmm), I fessed up: I can’t run on a treadmill. So, we went outside.
I ran back and forth in front of the store. Through seven pairs of shoes. The woman working the counter at the Dry Cleaners next door waved at me once. Each time, the helpful employee was closely watching my run, making assessments, asking questions. The Exam was complete. Now the surprise diagnosis.
The shoe brand I’ve been wearing since my first marathon was not the shoe that felt best. It’s a weird attachment perhaps only a runner can understand. But leaving behind my brand makes me very nervous. If it’s not broke, why fix it; right? Except it’s not that simple. Shoe companies constantly change their styles. They are called upgrades. Some runners would disagree.
So here I am with my shiny new shoes. I find them very attractive, but we don’t know each other very well. I’m having real trust issues. Our first date is tonight. No candlelit dinners, just a three mile run. I’m jumping right in. They always say: you can’t get over the old one until you fall in love with the new one, right?
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As I was signing on the line, I thought: there’s no going back now.
Then they gave me these things that are like purple leg warmers except for your arms. When someone gives you sleeves, there’s REALLY no going back. Yes, I am wearing them right now while I’m writing this blog. I need to keep my muscles warm so I don’t pull something lifting this stack of paperwork.
I am now a member of Team in Training (I’ll pause here so you can add a “woo-hoo!”).
My first run-in with Team in Training was a purple blur. I was running my very first marathon when a pack of violet-clad runners passed me. It seemed like a hodge-podge group of people… strange they were all dressed alike. And I kept seeing them: the silver-haired couple jogging with a smile (who smiles in a marathon?!), pony-tailed girls in purple shorts, a woman with a shaved head. That’s when I realized they were more than a running group.
Team in Training raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2008, more than 40,000 participants raised $85 Million. If imitation is the best form of flattery, TNT should be blushing. Since 1988, other non-profits have copied their successful model. Each participant is required to raise a specific amount of money (for the ING, it’s $1800). The group trains together in the months leading up to the run. TNT provides coaches, direction, and fundraising help.
As a runner, you just can’t ignore TNT: they’re everywhere. I finally jumped on the wagon this week for a simple reason: they asked.
A Team in Training staff member read my blog on the Zooma Run, and asked me to sign on with them for the ING Georgia Marathon. I ran it past my producers and… voila! Here we are. Me and my purple sleeves.
In the next four months I know I’ll meet amazing people, log hundreds of miles, and probably suffer a few blisters. But marathons always bring the unexpected. I hope you’ll join me for the ride. I’ll be posting frequent updates here on 11aliveblogs.com. You can also follow me on Twitter: @JulieWolfe.
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I love the Peachtree Road Race. It’s the only 10K where you can get doused by holy water, win a T-shirt, eat a donut, do the disco, wave an American flag… and still finish in just over an hour. For 55,000 runners, it is a 4th of July tradition.
As I was sitting in my 5’s group, waiting for my chance to run, I glanced up and saw that huge American flag at the start line. The sun was shining and I was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my fellow runners, my fellow Americans. I got a little teary eyed. This is why I love the Peachtree.
It’s not about the finish time, it’s about the experience. If you keep that in mind, you will learn to love this 10K like I do. Kudos to the Atlanta Track Club for pulling off another amazing race.
COURSE: 6.2 Miles from Lenox Mall to Piedmont Park. Even though the hill at mile 3 has gained a reputation as “heartbreak hill” and “cardiac hill”, it only goes up 150 feet in elevation. I don’t think this tough reputation is earned. The combined mostly-uphill run through mile 5 is what gets you. But then it’s downhill to the finish line! AND everyone was thrilled to be back at Piedmont Park this year after the drought re-arranged the 2008 race.
FOOD: The food was better than I remembered from previous runs (maybe with Publix as a sponsor? Not sure if that was new this year). I especially appreciated the ice cream sandwiches and the volunteer that yelled with a smile, “Have a cup of nice warm water!” since the gallons of drinking water had been sitting in the sun all morning.
T-SHIRT: Good design. Glad to see it was white and not some crazy lime green or peach.
CROWD: Awesome crowd. Seven different bands along the route were a blast. I always love giving high-five’s to the kids lining the sidewalk. I think the crowd is THE defining factor that makes this race so much fun!
UP NEXT: The Southeast Brain Tumor Foundation’s Race For Research Saturday July 25th 7:30 AM Atlantic Station. Follow me on Twitter @JulieWolfe.
This is part of a new web report I’m starting. I’ll run local 5K’s and 10K’s (with an occasional half marathon). You can follow me on race day on Twitter @JulieWolfe. I’ll post my race review on 11aliveblogs.com. Know of a local race you want me to run? E-mail me at jwolfe@11alive.com.
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My series “Keeping the Faith” has popped up in our “most read”, “most commented”, and “most watched” categories on 11Alive.com. It’s the online “trifecta” for news at 11 Alive (at least among the web geeks… and me). Obviously, some of the comments will be negative. In response to Tuesday’s story, I received a viewer e-mail that read:
I was sickened by your “Faith-Based” story this morning concerning the way that muslims are directed by the koran to live within their means. Your reporter actually quoted chapter and verse from the koran. You have never done the same with Christianity and the Bible. You have turned away from the majority of believers that have supported your station in favor of highlighting a minority cult. Shame on you. I’ll find another station to watch.
I sent this viewer the following response:
This morning’s story focusing on an Islamic Mosque in Alpharetta is part of a series all this week called “Keeping the Faith”. We’re looking at how various religious organizations are responding to the economic slowdown, including specific religious teachings that influence the way they spend money.
Of the five part series, two of them are Christian churches (Baptist and Methodist), one is Muslim, one is Jewish, and the fifth is a wide-view that will include all of the above.
Monday’s story focused on a Baptist church in Atlanta. The pastor cited Jesus as his example. I did not cite a specific text in that because the pastor did not; he instead talked about Jesus’ overall example. In that story, I clearly referred to both God and Jesus, because that’s what drives Pastor Eddie Love to do what he does for his community.
Also, Thursday’s story will focus on a mission in one of Georgia’s hardest hit areas, Rome. It is supported by the United Methodist Church. The volunteers there DO quote a specific text in the Bible, and so that text will be included in my story.
I agree that the majority of our viewers are Christian. It’s one reason we’ve devoted more time to Christian organizations than any other in this week’s series. In your e-mail you wrote: “You have turned away from the majority of believers that have supported your station in favor of highlighting a minority cult.”
I don’t believe we’ve “turned away” from our Christian viewers since the positive feedback I’ve received this morning has come from Christian and non-Christian viewers alike.
Also, my research suggests characterizing Islam as “a minority” is incorrect. According to a 2005 Encyclopedia Britannica survey, 33% of the world’s population is Christian; 20% is Muslim (the second largest religion).
Robert, thank you for e-mailing us. Your e-mail implies a sense of passion for God that I admire and respect. In that same way, I respect the beliefs of our entire community, including those that hold views different from my own.
Instead of the shame you suggest I feel; I am proud. Proud of the amazing things our churches, synagogues, and mosques are doing to help people through this time (including those from other faiths). Proud I get to share their stories, and proud I work at a station that allows me to do it.
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Here’s the challenge: Find a place to live in a city you’ve never been to before. You have two days.
I’ve been in that place, and made a few mistakes along the way. In my 28 years, I’ve moved 13 times. Sometimes across the country, but often across town. I may not be the Obi Wan of moving, but I’m pretty close. Now, I’m using all those miles to help a former co-worker.
He’s headed to Atlanta next month under the 2-day scenario. I tried to steer him in the right direction, to save him a few mistakes. I forgot one big thing: bring your own water.
The day after our detailed discussion of Atlanta’s layout, I woke up and went to take a shower. No water. It wasn’t the first time. Almost any given day in Atlanta, there is a water main break somewhere. Sometimes it’s just a trickle . Sometimes, it’s a gushing river. Three times in the last year, it means no water for me.
It means running around frantically, dumping every source of water into a big pot (tea kettle from last night, Britta pitcher from the fridge, ice cubes from the freezer, half empty water glass on the nightstand), heating it up a little (to melt the ice), and shampooing my hair in said pot.
Now, I keep a big jug of emergency water in the fridge.
There are many reasons for the water issue: old pipes, fast growth, constant construction. But trust me, when you’re washing your hair in a pot of water, you’re less concerned about the why and more concerned with where you put that jug of emergency water.
Maybe my welcome to Atlanta gift should be a plastic jug. At least I know he’ll use it.
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I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels lately (“graphic novels” sound more grown up than “comics”). As a photographer, I love the framing, shading, and colors. As an avid reader, I like the complicated plot lines. Even if you’re not a comic reader, you’ve probably heard the line “With great power comes great responsibility.”
I think it should read “With great trust comes great responsibility.” I believe media plays an important role in our democracy, and we take that power seriously. But as an individual journalist, I’ve never felt “powerful”. Instead, I feel the weight of responsibility because of your trust.
Our viewers trust us to tell the truth, to remain objective, to hold our politicians accountable.
Sometimes, our viewers grant us a much deeper level of trust.
I first met the LaSalle family in November. Margie was fighting breast cancer and had a poor prognosis. A family friend wrote and illustrated a children’s book based on their story to help kids deal with terminally ill parents. It’s called “Always and Everywhere”. Proceeds from the book would help the LaSalle family buy a one-story house since Margie was having difficulty managing the stairs in their small Cobb County home.
The story set off a flood of viewer e-mails; people were touched by the story and wanted to do something to help. I e-mailed back and forth with some of Margie’s friends and family to make sure they received those offers of help. That was in November.
Since then, I’ve often thought of Margie and her family. She mostly popped into my head when I was having a bad day. Through furloughs and car troubles, when I was wearing a frown, I’d remember her family and chastise myself for wasting even one day sweating all that small stuff.
Two weeks ago, I got an e-mail from one of Margie’s friends. I have to be honest. When I read the subject line “A follow up on Margie LaSalle”, I braced for some bad news. Instead, I found a simple request. Margie was in hospice; her daughter was having a birthday party. Could I do tape the party since Margie couldn’t go?
Originally, we thought about trying to set up a live web camera so Margie could see the party as it was happening. After consulting her family and friends, we decided watching 3 hours of a blurry video wouldn’t work for Margie or 8-year-old kids.
I talked to my news director and we agreed: I would go to the party because it was something we wanted to do for this family. I wasn’t sure if I would even do a story on it. That’s not why I was there.
About half-way through the night, Chris LaSalle said he wanted to do an interview. So we sat down (in an only slightly quiet corner) and talked about Claire and Margie. He was open and candid… and heartbreaking. Soon, I was interviewing Margie’s mom and other friends.
I asked Chris where I could drop off the DVD, and he asked if I wanted to watch it with Margie. Every step of the way, still unsure if I would turn this into a story, I kept asking “Is this OK?”
The LaSalle family said yes, because they trusted me. And that was a great responsibility. I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to spend some time with Margie. She is an amazing woman. I hope the weight of responsibility I felt came across in the story I told about her and her family.
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