Finding Purpose in Grief: Running the Race Set Before Me by Dr. Trudy Simmons, Milton Counseling & Coaching

Grief has a way of changing us. It carves deep places in our souls where love once lived visibly, now hidden in the ache of absence. When my father passed away, my world shifted. The man who once cheered me on from the sidelines, who offered wisdom and strength, was no longer physically present. Yet in the quiet aftermath of loss, I began to hear his voice even louder—not in the natural, but in my spirit. And it was that voice, that legacy, that propelled me to keep going. Not just for me—but for him.

One of the ways I chose to honor my father was by training for a 100-mile run in 24 hours. On June 14, 2025, I’ll be lacing up my shoes and setting out on a 24 hour, 100-mile run of endurance, love, and legacy. But this run isn’t just about miles. It’s about purpose birthed from grief, healing in motion, and honoring someone who meant the world to me.

After losing my father, I found myself wrestling with the weight of grief. As a daughter, his absence was devastating. As a counselor and coach, I understood the stages of grief, but nothing can quite prepare your heart for the silence that follows the loss of someone you deeply love.

But in the stillness, I heard something powerful: a call to keep going—not just for me, but for him. That’s when the vision for the 100-mile run in 24 hours was born.

Running for a Greater Cause

This isn’t just a personal challenge—it’s a mission. I'm running to raise $100,000 for an incredible nonprofit called Lighthouse Family Retreat (lighthousefamilyretreat.org), an organization that serves families living through childhood cancer by offering hope-filled beach retreats, spiritual renewal, and moments of joy in the midst of the storm.

My father was a man of deep compassion. He believed in giving back, lifting others up, and being present when people were hurting. Partnering with Lighthouse Family Retreat felt like the perfect way to carry his heart forward after he passed away from his battle with cancer. He may not be here physically, but his legacy is running every step with me.

Grief as a Catalyst for Growth

Grief has the power to derail us or drive us. For me, it became a catalyst. I learned that purpose doesn’t always come in clarity—it often comes in pieces. I didn’t wake up the day after my father died with a grand plan. But I did wake up with a question in my heart: What will I do with this pain?

In my counseling and coaching practice, I see this question arise often. Clients come in broken, bruised by life, holding the shards of dreams, relationships, or lost loved ones. And I gently remind them: Purpose can be born from pain. In fact, some of the most powerful callings emerge from the deepest wounds.

God doesn’t waste our grief. He repurposes it. He redeems it. Isaiah 61:3 says He gives us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” I’ve experienced this exchange firsthand. And now I help others walk through it, too.

Setting Purposeful Goals in the Midst of Pain

The idea for the 100-mile run wasn’t just about crossing a finish line. It was about setting a goal that scared me, inspired me, and would heal me. For me, running is a metaphor for life: pushing through discomfort, pressing on when it hurts, pacing myself through pain, and remembering that every step counts.

In counseling, I help people set goals that align with their healing journey. Whether it's emotional wholeness, spiritual growth, or career shifts, we begin by asking: What matters most right now? What is God stirring in your heart?

Sometimes purpose isn’t found in doing more—it’s found in doing what matters with intention.

Walking Others into Purpose

In both my counseling and coaching roles, I walk beside people as they rediscover purpose in the aftermath of loss, trauma, or transition. My journey—especially the grief of losing my dad—has given me deeper empathy, insight, and conviction. It’s no longer theory; it’s personal. I've felt the pain of getting up when everything inside wants to stay down. And I’ve seen how God breathes on our surrender and turns it into something beautiful.

The run isn’t just for me or even for my dad—it is for every client I serve, every person watching from afar, wondering if they have what it takes to keep going. My answer? Yes, you do. Not because it’s easy—but because God is with you.

Pressing Toward the Finish Line

Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to "run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." That’s what I’ve learned in this season of grief-turned-purpose. It’s not about running fast—it’s about running faithful. Step by step. Mile by mile. One surrendered “yes” at a time.

So whether you're navigating grief, chasing a dream, or trying to rediscover what matters most—know this: Purpose still lives in you. And sometimes, the race you run in honor of someone else becomes the race that heals you.

Let your pain have purpose. Let your grief grow something beautiful. And never stop running your race—with heart, hope, and heaven in mind.

How You Can Be Part of the Journey

This is more than my story—it’s an invitation to our entire community to join me in this movement of purpose and hope.

✅ Come cheer me on as I make 400 laps around the track at Northwestern Middle School on June 14 in 24 hours. Bring your signs, your encouragement, and your energy!

✅ Support the cause. Every dollar raised goes directly to Lighthouse Family Retreat to serve families fighting childhood cancer. Visit https://milesformarty.givesmart.com

✅ Run (or walk!) a mile with me. Whether it’s one mile or ten, your presence will mean the world. This is a community race, and everyone is welcome.

✅ Spread the word. Share the mission. Talk about grief, purpose, and what it means to live with intention—even in seasons of loss.

Pressing Toward the Finish Line

Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” That’s what I’m doing—running with endurance, running with purpose, and running with heaven in mind.

This 100-mile journey in 24 hours is about honoring my dad. But it’s also about offering hope. Because sometimes the race you run in memory of someone else becomes the race that heals you.

So whether you're grieving, dreaming, or simply searching for your next step—know this: There is purpose still alive in you. And your race isn’t over.

Let your pain lead to purpose. Let your grief give birth to growth. And never stop running—with heart, hope, and heaven at your side.

If you’re walking through grief, trauma, or transition and need support, I’d be honored to walk with you—reach out to me for counseling or coaching at drtrudy@miltoncounseling.com.

Learn more: https://miltoncounseling.com/

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