The Running Dream

Rosa explains to Jessica that the finish line of a race is also the starting line, and as such, they are one in the same. The end of every race only offers the start of the next one, a replication of the cyclicality of life. Jessica has only ever thought of the finish line as a means to an end, but fully realizes by the end of the book that the finish line is indeed just the marker for the start of a whole new chapter in life.

Jessica has named the final 200-meters of the 400-meter dash “Rigor Mortis Bend” because of the immense discipline, training, and sheer willpower a runner must have to push past the pain and fear to finish the race with a strong kick. After the accident, Jessica realizes that what she is facing is a whole new obstacle, but one she compares to the Bend regardless.

Jessica recognizes the incredible effort her mother has put into managing Jessica’s care and keeping the rest of the family together. When she sees her mother crying over the photo album, she understands that it’s time for her to step up, as her mother’s leg of the relay race is done. Jessica recognizes that her mother needs to pass the baton to the next runner.

The merry-go-round is Jessica’s metaphor for the continuation of life. She is confused and upset that the rest of the world has gone on while Lucy Sanders is deadand Jessica is without a leg and learning how to live again.

Coach Kyro wears a bracelet around his wrist with the letters “LUCY” on it. The bracelet is a symbol of the student lost in the bus accident and what that loss personally meant to Kyro, the track team, and the school.

The cemetery is a symbol for both Lucy’s death and Jessica’s realization that she is glad to have survived despite the pain and hurt that she was experienced herself due to the accident. Jessica acknowledges Lucy as she runs by the cemetery during the River Run.

Rosa’s wheelchair initially symbolizes the restrictions Rosa endures due to her disability. However, this symbols changes to one representing friendship and freedom when Jessica pushes Rosa through the River Run race, allowing Rosa to “run” and feel the wind for the first time in her life.