Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance

WHY I WILL RUN:
I like to think of him as my renaissance man. He was an academic, and outdoorsman, a poet, an athlete and a soldier. Bryon Lane is one of the finest human beings I have ever known. I am fortunate to be able to call him my best friend, my hero, and the love of my life. Bryon entered the Marine Corps in 1995. Though he attended Hartwick College for two years and found academic success, he wanted to be like his grandfather and work with his hands for a living. Initially serving in California with a Marine Reserve Air wing, he later transferred to Quantico, VA and flew with HMX-1, the Presidential Helicopter Squadron. He had the opportunity to fly support for Air Force One during the Clinton and Bush Administrations. This involved many trips to New York and Texas (He has the aerial views of Talladega Raceway to prove it!). He was one of a handful of Marines who flew to the Middle East Peace talks at Camp David and for his service there he was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. He left HMX-1 in June of 2001 to return to what he called “the real marines”. He looked forward to going on six month floats, and flying troops instead of senators and dignitaries. No matter what he did, his service in the Marines, hiking, refinishing old furniture, studying the Civil War, Bryon always stayed true to who he was. He had more courage, more integrity and more determination that anyone I know. He could (and would) debate you on any number of topics, his wealth of information had no limits. He also knew how to have fun. Ask anyone who worked at Athena’s Pizza with us. Picture this: Bryon enters a walk-in refrigerator to get more pizza dough, using a huge vat of pizza sauce to reach the upper bins. One little slip and the lid comes off, Bryon falls out of the fridge with one leg knee deep in tomato sauce. He could laugh at himself with the best of them. I don’t think he often showed people the side of him that was gentle, kind, loving and so very thoughtful (he wouldn’t have wanted to ruin the tough Marine image!) but he was all of those things. We had more than ten years of history together; he was my past, my present, and my future. When he was tragically killed in the summer of 2001 while serving in the US Marine Corps, one week after he proposed to me, I thought living without him would be impossible. Impossible wasn’t part of Bryon’s vocabulary, so I was determined to find my way through the maze of such a profound loss. Running became part of my survival. It kept me physically healthy, gave my days some routine and in my head and heart I was able to talk to Bryon.

As I continued along my journey I had the privilege to meet some amazing people who have made me laugh, let me cry and gave me strength. One of them is my running partner and very dear friend Elizabeth Clarke. And some of the most courageous, caring, and resilient people I have met have been part of an organization called T*A*P*S. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is a unique organization that provides support, resources and assistance to those who have lost loved ones while serving in the armed forces. In the aftermath of losing Bryon they helped me grieve, gave me hope and afforded me the opportunity to give back to others who have lost their loved ones whether in training accidents like Bry, to illness or in combat. I have met mothers, fathers, siblings, wives, husbands, fiancées, and children all of whom are navigating the path of loss. Many of their loved ones died young, proudly serving our country.

It is on behalf of these men and women who gave their lives, including Bryon and his crewmates that Elizabeth and I will run the 2004 Marine Corps Marathon.
Please consider sponsoring us as we honor those who have died so that T*A*P*S may continue to help those who are left behind. In doing so you also honor Bryon’s memory, his courage, and his commitment to a greater good.

On behalf of Team Semper Fi, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I encourage you to go learn more about T*A*P*S at www.taps.org.