It wasn't long after Lisa Hallett's husband, Army Cpt. John Hallett, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in August, 2009, that she turned to running as a way to cope. And when those of us in her unit needed a way to stand by each other as we also coped with loss after loss during that violent deployment, we followed her lead.
We met in a circle to say the names of the fallen. We wore blue shirts. We remembered.
And even if we weren't runners, we ran. Because when the hurt is so deep, that's what you do.
I didn't go to all or even most of the wear blue: run to remember meet-ups in those days, but I was inspired by Lisa's courage and dedication to remembering while moving forward. I saw courage in action. I saw beauty in pain.
Wear blue: run to remember has since turned into a worldwide movement. Thousands of people, including many others who have also lost through war, have been inspired by Lisa's strength. You may have seen Wear Blue runners in your local military community, remembering the fallen, fighting and families by running in their honor.
Now Lisa's story has been turned into "To Remember," a new documentary by filmmakers Glenn Osten Anderson and Ian Connors premiering on BBC World. Several years in the making, it tells the story of Lisa and John and her quest to remember.
I have been involved with the film from the beginning, helping Glenn with details and proofing. I have watched it over and over again. And every single time my heart breaks for those who have lost in war. And I am inspired by their bravery.
But you don't have to take my word for it. "To Remember" premiered in late April on BBC World. If you missed it you can still it May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Don't get BBC World? Check out this much shorter version online!
