BS Shonda Welch & LS Jasmine

Jasmine and I have been matched since August 1999. Our relationship has always been a sister relationship.  We've had our ups and downs, but she has always known that I am here for her. 

When we met, Jasmine was nine-years-old. As an only child, Jasmine was excited to have a Big Sister.  Our time together was always fun. As Little Sister progressed through puberty, we went through a difficult phase.  Jasmine desired her independence but also wanted a Big Sister around.  For example, I recall times when she hung the phone up on me.  I stepped back - let her know she was loved and would be there when needed.  In her mid-teens, she was given more freedom and took advantage of it when she could. 

Often Jasmine would over commit herself to others. In those instances, she needed a Big Sister to the rescue.  In helping, I made it clear that her wellbeing outweighed any assistance from me. Also, we discussed her choices to ensure they weren't repeated. 

Jasmine is now 17. It's great to see her strive for something, do the work it takes to accomplish that goal, and then succeed -- like running.  Jasmine has run (school or community track teams) since she was a kid, either in sprints or relays.  Running is an activity that Jasmine naturally excels in. With training, she is even better.  Jasmine, who is very competitive, prefers short races for the immediate sense of accomplishment. To shake up things, Jasmine and I trained for her first "distance" race. My Little Sister completed that race with flying colors!

I like running because it helps clear my mind. I also like running with Jasmine. During these runs we talk, i.e. solve problems, etc. Our goal is to focus our energy in finishing what we started.

To prepare for her first race Jasmine and I ran on Sundays and Thursdays. We decided that Big Sister would run the first three miles with Little Sister to coach, motivate and help pace her. However, the last mile, Jasmine was going to run solo. The training was challenging. I recall us running up a steep short hill and Jasmine saying 'the run was going to kill her.' I got her to refocus. I finished the race in 38:50, and Jasmine finished with a time of 40:02. This was my third time running this race. My first year was awful. However, the second year I ran better. To my surprise, Jasmine completed the race 12 seconds faster than I did (last year) when I thought I was prepared!! 

For a first race, this is excellent! I am proud of Jasmine for hanging in there, staying true to our training, and finishing what she started!