Why I Run for Riley, Set 3
By: Iris Howell
Riley’s younger sister
My junior year of high school at TC Roberson was also Riley’s senior year. That fall, he decided to run cross country just for fun which meant I got to spend more time with him. Every season, our high school’s cross country program had a tradition called Fall Brawl to celebrate halloween where each relay team had to dress in themed costumes. Thinking it would be fun, I asked our coaches if they would pair me up with Riley, and they agreed. The night before fall brawl, I was tearing through the house trying to find a costume idea for us. We couldn’t agree on anything. Then by some stroke of evil genius, I stumbled upon the great idea that we would dress up as skiiers. I pulled out the snow pants, coats, hats, even goggles and forced a very disgruntled Riley to run with me the next afternoon in the worst most uncomfortable and hilarious outfits I could've chosen for us. After I did my first 400 and tagged him in, I remember so clearly watching him run around that first curve looking so goofy with his hat about to fly away, laughing my head off. Needless to say, the snow clothes did not last much longer. But he gave it his all. And he did that for me.
When I run for Riley, I think about all the things he did for me, big and small. I run for him to honor the way he cared for me and all of our siblings. I run for him to honor memories like this I never want to forget that make me smile. He was the best big brother and loved us in the selfless way that only growing up together could have fostered.
By: Cullen Howell
Riley’s cousin
Running for Riley is a way of coming together in a wonderful hometown with family and friends and new folks to just see each other and remember Riley and commemorate his ability to do the absolute most he could for every other one around him in life and in a fateful moment. Taking another moment, a morning, a day, a weekend, a set-aside time together (physically and in spirit) is so important and necessary.
I think of Riley all the time, definitely at various moments of each day, and certainly when I’m out running. Riley is in nature: the wind, weather, up and down hills in and out of the wonderful woods, and specially spirited by every cardinal, hawk, owl, fox, deer, or even bunny I see or hear. They’re saying, “I’m right here, I’m there, I’m really everywhere (especially in the case of the bunnies)!”
Riley loved to stink and stank it up, so the honest, musky sweat of a good run tributes his unapproachable standard of ‘grand funk railroad’ that might meet you in a warm Riley hello-hug, and it says that there’s a fantastic freedom in working and playing hard.
Riley loved to share time with loved ones and friends old and new, so our annual times together teach us to value what we have and to take into consideration those and what we’re missing. We CAN strive to fear less and do more for those we know and strangers and for a fountain of faith in humanity and for the fun of it!
By: Jenny Pritchard
Riley’s aunt
Why I Run for Riley ~
I run for Riley to see his smile;
It is the first thing I think of when he enters my mind.
I run for Riley to hear his voice;
The combination of his earnestness and playfulness made conversations with him intriguing.
I run for Riley to feel his strength;
His immense power combined with his gentle spirit was such a gift.
I run for Riley to share his courage;
His awesome, fearless, brave, inspirational courage that has resonated with so many people.
I run for Riley to spread his love;
His love for other humans, his love for any and all animals and his love for our beautiful world.
I run for Riley to honor and remember him;
He is always with me, challenging me to be the person that would make him proud.
I love you and miss you, sweet boy. You are a glorious reminder of what is the best in all of us ~
Aunt Jenny
By: Mary Henry
Riley’s grandmother
The year was 2010, and Riley was 12 years old. He was so handsome and wise beyond his age. My clan set out to Hawaii to celebrate my 70th birthday. And what memories we created!
My adventurous clan began to explore the entire island of Oahu. With seven adults and seven children, we paired off with a partner for each endeavor. My partner was Riley and he took that role very seriously.
We enjoyed a week of surfing and snorkeling and many other exciting activities. He protected me through all of our various exploits very bravely, and with unrestrained joy and love.
But what I remember most was when we came upon a thirty foot cliff on the North Shore. People were lining up to jump into the rough water below. Several of my crew joined in. Most of the other children cautiously moved to the edge to peer over.
But not Riley! He took off running and performed head over heels over the side of the cliff. It was daring, courageous, and a bit unnerving—but it was all Riley.
Fear less. Do more. He lived that mantra to the fullest.
