This Saturday I will run to honor those who help another get to the finish line, whatever that finish line may be.  My father, the Reverend Robert H. Steilberg, did this with his life – as the founder of a high school, a faithful comforter and provider to the homeless of Richmond, and a generous minister to any in trouble, sorrow, need, or any other adversity.

As a 14-year old, I watched my dad run the 1979 Richmond Marathon.  At the age of 48 he’d run the race a few times before – I even remember the time when he wore his running shoes with his Sunday vestments during services at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, since the race used to be run on Sunday afternoons!  It was during the 1979 race that dad happened upon a young man, only 17 years old, and took to running with him.  At mile 24 his new friend, Kevin, told dad that he was tired and needed to walk for awhile.  Refusing to let him stop since he might not start again, my dad took Kevin’s hand and ran the final two miles to the finish holding him fast.  I watched as they finished the race together. 

To our surprise, the front page of the morning edition Richmond Times-Dispatch carried a photograph showing the two, hand in hand, gliding to the finish – a rare public tribute to a man who sought to remain discreet.

Dad died in 2000 and I sure miss him, so when I turn left on to Cary Street this Saturday morning to hopefully finish this race, I’ll reach down for someone’s hand running beside me.  And if no one’s there, I’ll just hold my hand out for dad – since it will be him, once again, helping another to the finish line – just as he did every day of his life.

Matthew Steilberg
Richmond Virginia

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