“If the mind's not strong, the body acts weak, even if it's not. If the mind says it's too cold or too rainy or too windy to run, the body will be more than happy to agree. If the mind says it would be better to rest or recover or cut practice, the body will be glad to oblige.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“I wipe away my tears and nod, because the pain in my leg is nothing compare to the one in my heart.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“It's disturbing how fast weeds take root in my garden of worthiness.
They're so hard to pull.
And grow back so easily.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“I realize something. That wasn't a finish line for me...This is my new starting line.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“Don't sum up a person based on what you see, or what you don't understand; get to know them”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“I am a runner. That's what I do. That's who I am. Running is all I know, or want, or care about.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“As much as thinking this upsets me, I'm starting to see that I need the merry-go-round much more than it needs me, and in the end my choice is to hop back on or get left in the dust.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“It’s amazing how two thin pieces of clothing can hold such deep memories. Laughter, pain, victory, defeat, friendship, fatigue, elation… they’re all there, but only to the person who’s worn the uniform”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“Either people like running or they don't. Either people get it or they don't. And if they don't, they just think people who like it are crazy.
Which is okay.
That makes us even.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“Don't sum up person based on what you see, or what you don't understand; get to know them.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“That's the funny thing about running. The deceptive thing about it. It may seem mindless, but its really mental. If the minds strong, the body acts weak, even if its not.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“And of course I felt sorry for you, but …” He stops running. “Didn’t you read what I wrote on your running leg? Does it say, I feel sorry for you? No! It says, You inspire me. I want to be around you because you inspire me! You’re amazing. I think you’re the most …” I stop running, and I look at him. His”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“It's to have people see her instead of her condition. That's all that anybody with a disability wants. Don't sum up the person based on what you see, or what you don't understand; get to know them.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“I am a runner. That’s what I do. That’s who I am. Running is all I know, or want, or care about. It was a race around the soccer field in third grade that swept me into a real love of running. Breathing the sweet smell of spring grass. Sailing over dots of blooming clover. Beating all the boys. After that, I couldn’t stop. I ran everywhere. Raced everyone. I loved the wind across my cheeks, through my hair. Running aired out my soul. It made me feel alive. And now? I’m stuck in this bed, knowing I’ll never run again.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“But I've never spoken to a grave before.
I don't know what to say.
I don't know how.
'I'm so sorry,' I choke out, but that's as far as I get before I start crying. I feel bad that she's gone. I feel overwhelmed. And I feel guilt.
Guilt that I've recovered.
Guilt that I'm happy.
Guilt that I ever thought she was the lucky one.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“He’s only going out with you because he feels sorry for you,” she whispers as she invades my personal space on a classroom ramp. “You’re, like, his community service project.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
“I wipe away my tears and nod, because the pain in my leg is nothing compared to the one in my heart.”
― Wendelin Van Draanen, quote from The Running Dream
Wendelin Van Draanen
Born place: Chicago, Illinois, The United States
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“Accepting things. That’s what the talk was about. About how insane it is to try to pretend something isn’t a certain way, or that you can make it another way, just because you don’t like it.”
― Catherine Ryan Hyde, quote from Don't Let Me Go
“I saw Four, Brandon’s Garde, poking his head out from behind Brandon’s back. He shyly put his hand out for Nine to take, inviting him to walk to pre-combat together. Seeing this, I hoped Nine would take Four’s hand. It was a sweet gesture.”
― Pittacus Lore, quote from The Last Days of Lorien
“he first time I ever laid eyes on you, you were jogging with your friend, Hilary,” he murmured. I lowered my gaze back to the tiny shoe and smiled.
“The first time I ever had the pleasure of hearing your voice,” he titled his head in thought, “you ended up tripping and needed bandaged.”
His finger brushed over the tiny silver Band-Aid. Tears began pooling in my eyes. His gift was unlike anything I ever expected. I wasn’t sure what to think or even feel in that moment.
“The first time I knew you were more than a pretty face,” he smiled, his thumb caressing my cheek for the briefest moment, “you brought Oliver and me muffins.” His voice cracked and I bit my bottom lip as he touched upon the tiny muffin.
The burn of a stray tear as it slipped down my cheek pulled my gaze to my lap. Quickly, I wiped it away.
Next, he held up the miniature swimming pool in his hand and I laughed, looking up at him.
“This one speaks for itself, sweetheart.” His smile widened into a broad grin. “It was a night I’ll never forget…and one I wouldn’t mind experiencing again next summer.”
My head shot down, heat creeping up my cheeks. I shook my head, chuckling.
“This,” he held up a music note, “is for the first time we danced.” He lowered the bracelet and looked me in the eyes. “I wanted you that night, Cassandra. More than I’ve ever wanted any woman. But I’m thankful every day that you wouldn’t let me have my way.” He sighed. “We wouldn’t be here today if I had slept with you then.”
He looked back down, frowning. “I can’t image you not being here today.”
My heart swelled helping me find my voice.
“The pumpkin patch,” I said, running my fingers over the shiny jack-o-lantern.
“Yes, the first day I realized I wanted nothing more than to protect you. From your ex, from anyone that could hurt you.”
I smiled, his words soothing every part of my soul.
“The carnival.” I smiled, remembering our day together. The charm was of a Ferris wheel and the only one that was gold.
Logan took my hand and clasped the bracelet around my wrist. He looked up at me, my hand still in his.
“The first day I knew Oliver was falling in love with you.”
― Angela Graham, quote from Inevitable
“I always knew I had no small talk, and now I know I've got no big talk either.”
― Sue Townsend, quote from The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
“Yeah, what the hell. We can be remedial alphas together.”
― Nalini Singh, quote from Shards of Hope
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