My Eulogy in tribute to Linda Ponce

event : Run In Peace Melinda Ponce Oct 23, 2011 at the  Ayala Terraces

Hi and good morning - Allow me to quote to you something I came across my readings, and it goes like this,   “there is a lesson behind every pain, a message with every person we meet, and a purpose for everything in life." 

This explains why I am here today tasked to say a eulogy in a tribute to Linda. I was suppose to go on a trip last Friday but had to defer it due to an injury when I joined the Talamban trail run sometime early this month. Never in my wildest dream did i think I would be here in front of you to say my personal tribute to Linda. I am honored to be asked by the organizers  to do this task.  I did not have second thoughts as I immediately agreed

My running friends and I know Linda as a very dedicated, passionate and unassuming person both in running and in her career. We often told her how much we admired her and someday be able to achieve what she has done in her running career. I cannot forget the last time my friends and I saw Linda. They were in my house last Oct 13 to have breakfast with me as I could not run due to the minor fracture in my ankle. I was glad to see her with my friends as it was her day off. I talked to her two days before that tragic day as I was trying to help her get in the Standard Charter Bank Hongkong Marathon in Feb 2012 as registration was already closed. I could not imagine sending an email to my friend from  Standard Charter Bank that she did not have to work on  Linda's  registration as she is no longer with us.

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Linda will always be an inspiration to all who know her. She may no longer be with us but quoting Haide Acuna  in her article from CDN, “she will continue to shine as an example of hard work, dedication, discipline, and determination.” 

f1 and fitness first friends

I find solace that she is now with our Almighty and who knows she is now busy organizing the marathon with the angels. Be well dear friend, Linda...you will always be in our hearts as we all go through our running events. Surely we will miss you but you  will always be remembered. Thank you.