Joy Drop: A heart-warming finish at the Boston Marathon

Friends, the weather is getting wetter and worse. Let’s hope that there will be sunnier days in this season of rain gear and April showers. To that end, I have had some wonderful moments of lightness and possibility which I’d like to share with you.

As we talk about rain, I will begin by telling a story which will make it rain tears. 

The Boston Marathon witnessed some amazing achievements and recognition this week. One of those places was of Henry Richard. The name may not ring a bell because Richard is not a top marathon runner. However, he may have been able to achieve one of the most important of finishes.

Ten years ago, his eight-year-old brother, Martin, was killed in the bombing attack on the race. Richard, a 20 year old competitor, ran the race Monday in the brother’s honor. It is difficult to see this finish without being overcome by emotion. Richard crosses the finish line as exhaustion and years of grief combine with a heart-swelling feeling. He runs to the arms of his loved ones. Jane, his sister, had lost her leg in an attack and was there to welcome him. 

This year, the Boston Marathon celebrated 50 years of the women’s division. 

Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir is the reigning Olympic champion and she won the race in two hours, 21:01 minutes, four seconds ahead of rival Ababel Yashaneh of Ethiopia. Jepchirchir won the final stretch, while Jepchirchir was second. Trailblazer Kathrine SwitzerThe first woman to complete the marathon, five years before it became an official category for women, was there to support her along the way. It is a reminder that women can still compete on the course and in all sports, half a century after the event.

Williams and Hamilton following Chelsea

Talking of thriving, reports claim that Serena Williams (23-time Grand Slam champion) and Lewis Hamilton (24-time Olympic gold medalist) are joining forces to bid for Sir Martin Broughton’s takeover of Chelsea Football Club. The Chelsea Football Club is a storied soccer team in the English Premier Division. The 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams is already co-owner of Angel City FCA women’s soccer team in NWSL. She and Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One champion, are committing more than $13 million each in a potential Chelsea deal. 

Premier League owners are very few and Hamilton and Williams are two of the most prominent athletes in the world. Their fame and influence give ownership a touch of panache, as well as a sense of approachability that is not normally available to billionaires and oligarchs.

Russian businessman is the former owner of Chelsea FC Roman Abramovich who, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, handed over control of the club to its board of trustees in March after he was accused of ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin — which he denies. Williams and Hamilton would make a great owner’s box. Here’s a cute video Williams posted to her Instagram, featuring Olympia, her daughter. This is so precious. 

Lizzo released last week a video About Damn TimeA single one from her Coming album“Special”, which will be available on July 15, will be released. Lizzo is an advocate for body positivity, self care and creative genius. The new reality series, Lizzo’s, is called Lizzo’s Watch for the Big Grrls This is a dance show for beautiful plus-sized women and other body types that are not often celebrated in the world of dance. It is available on Amazon streaming and has been recommended by many of my friends. One GuardianReview said”This joyful show will help you to water your dry soul.” We need every drop of joy possible in this month of rain. 

Finally, I will add another water-inspired song and one of my favourite happy songs from Hey Ocean in Vancouver! The Acoustic version This is equally stunning and pays homage to West Coast beauty. Enjoy!