Finding a way to be active together and to contribute to a great cause is a fantastic way to spend some quality auntie/niece time.
Years ago, after my mom passed away from breast and ovarian cancer, I started to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure here in Toronto. First off just walking the 5k with some friends/family, sometimes with one of my nieces in a stroller, and then I started getting into running the distance on my own.
In 2012, my eldest niece had been doing cross country running at school and asked if she could join me to do the Run for a Cure. I was thrilled to have her. To be able to include her in this important event that remembers and supports so many great women including her late grandmother, was a special experience.
After some training for each of us, we joined the ten of thousands of people doing the walk or run that early October morning. With a little bit of rain coming down on us, we worked our way up to running groups and slowly made our way to the start. As I’m not a fast running, it was good to have 10 year-old helping to keep pace. She was a star and really did well as we moved our way down the course and then back up. If it wasn’t for her determination, and my need to set a good example, I would have probably walked much more.
We were able to help each other along. As one got tired, the other would provide words of encouragement and vice versa. Amazing what a 10-year-old can do for someone much older.
We pushed through for a strong finish and could be quite proud of what we accomplished and how we helped a cause dear to our hearts.
We’ve gone on to do that run a few more times and also welcomed my youngest niece to run with us in 2014, when she was just 8. I must say, for that run, all three of us did the entire 5k and didn’t walk at all.
Finding a common goal and working towards it, is a great way to enjoy quality time with your niece or nephew.
© 2016, Anne-Marie. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply