Editor: I am a lifelong 91原创 resident, and this is the first time I鈥檝e ever felt compelled to write to the local paper. I am in need of a unique outlet to express my gratitude to my family,  yet somehow a simple thank you just didn鈥檛 seem quite enough.  I decided a more prominent, more public display of appreciation was in order.

I am a 36-year-old mother of two children aged seven and four. In a few weeks, I am running my first Boston Marathon.  I was thrilled when I qualified and even more thrilled when my husband said to go and have a great time.

Any runner can tell you it is a huge time commitment, training for a 42.2 km adventure, but when you are a stay-at-home mom, it isn鈥檛 just your time that is involved.

My kids and wonderful husband have also had to sacrifice their time and endure my endless complaints of various aches, pains, blisters and the worst 鈥� the dreaded 鈥淚 had a bad run鈥� day.

I just wanted to say, in a very big way, thank you to my husband, my mother-in- law (who has had to fill in as babysitter while I run to Abbotsford and back) and my two wonderful kids, who have supported and encouraged me along the way.

I鈥檓 sure they鈥檒l all be waiting by the computer to check the website updates on Patriot鈥檚 Day, Monday, April 19. If I can inspire them just a little bit, it鈥檒l all be worthwhile.

Kendra Braun,

Aldergrove