A Special Day: First Annual Shana Thomas Barr Jump & Run

Last July one of my oldest and dearest friends, Shana, lost her battle with cervical cancer. Our friendship spanned 30 years, which is just too few in my book. She was one in a million, and all who knew her would tell you that she was spunky, energetic, independent, competitive, and made everyone who knew her feel special. As printed in the local newspaper last August, "Shana was a loving wife, selfless mother, beautiful daughter, amazing sister, and steadfast friend. She had a pure heart, a free spirit, and was totally unique. Shana would light up any room with her captivating eyes and laugh, and her spirit will live on for eternity in everyone who knew her."

One of the joys of spending this year in Eugene is that we have been able to be close to Shana's family, a family that felt like an extension of my own when I was growing up. They live in in Springfield, about 15-20 minutes from our house, and I remember many a four-hour car ride between our house and theirs. This past Friday, her family hosted the First Annual Shana Thomas Barr Jump & Run in her honor and to raise funds for her memorial scholarship at her high school. Shana was an outstanding athlete, with a specialty in the long jump and triple long jump (Shana's 1993 triple jump record of 37"11.2' still stands), so the Jump & Run was the perfect event to honor her. Kids ages 1-12 were invited to participate in the long jump, triple long jump, 60m (Jonathan's age group), 100m (6-12 year olds), and families were invited to join in a 400m run/walk. It was an invitation-only event this year, but I'm sure it will grow into much more in the years to come.

Jonathan had a blast! The kids received a lesson in how to do a long jump and triple long jumps and then had a chance to give them both a shot. Jonathan was unique in his jumping. He was the only kid to run the distance of the runway, only to stop short of the pit in order to dance a little jig for the crowd. In my eyes, he stole the show (while making some of the other kids a little impatient). Shana's nephew, Orion, took Jonathan under his wing and gave him lessons in just what to do. He even ran alongside Jonathan and cheered him on to jump . . . adorable! Shana's mom, Sharon, even stepped in to jump with Jonathan on his triple. He finally went for it and was hooked. The rest of the meet was devoted to him practicing his jumping skills (while the other kids moved on to the next activities, of course).

He also ran a pretty mean 60m dash. He had a bit of a false start, came back to the starting line, then took off a bit after the other kids (because he couldn't find mommy on the sidelines). He then ran fast fast fast (as he would say) and decided, once again, to stop short of the finish line to take a look around. He finally crossed it when I told him he would get a ribbon if he kept running. Of course then he thought he might as well do better than the finish line and continue on down the track a while longer! :) He is certainly one of a kind.

Daddy was able to join us in time for the family 400m, so he swooped up Jonathan and jogged around the track with him on his shoulders while wearing flip flops. Needless to say, Daddy is still a bit sore. Shana's niece (one of Jonathan's friends), Piper, ran a great race until she saw that a friend needed her shoe tied. She stopped, turned around, and showed the girl, who was several years older than her, how to tie her shoes. It was so cute and such a sign of her own spunky personality.

At the end of the event, Jonathan and Daddy did a little hurdle jumping, as well as another lap around the track, which Jonathan ran like a champ . . . showing Daddy just how fast he can be when he wants to. He is now asking when his next track meet is. Fortunately, he'll get to be in at least one more this summer. University of Oregon hosts allcomers meets throughout the summer for kids in the community. Not only will he get to run again, but he'll get to run at Hayward Field . . . home of the US Track and Field National Championships and 2012 US Olympic Trials. Hopefully he'll remember to cross the finish line. :)

Many smiles filled the Jump and Run, accompanied by tie dyed shirts (one of Shana's favorites) and mismatched Converse (one of her signature styles). The entire event honored her memory, and for a short while it felt like she was with us again. I am so thankful that we were able to be there to participate, and I hope we can make it an annual event for our family. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my dear friend and miss her, so these small moments when her presence is felt are cherished.


Thank you to Shana's sister and our friend, Heather (who really felt like a big sister to me when we were younger . . . she was the one who finally taught me to ride my bike without training wheels!), and Shana's family for putting the event together. It won't be forgotten.

Who knows . . . maybe it was the start of Jonathan's brilliant career in Track & Field. :)