Seasons

Our lives often represent seasons because they change, just as winter into spring and so on.

Usually we go about our business and gradually accept the changes of the seasons as they come and go quickly. The days become longer, then they become shorter again, one calendar page after another, year after year.

Every once in awhile, however, depending on where we live, we may experience a record season of extreme heat, ice storms, mega snow falls, or a drought.  Sometimes it's hard for us to become accustomed to the major changes of that season. But we do.

We have what it takes, mentally and physically, to make the adjustments.

In our lives changes occur. We accept the changes, make adjustments and find a new way to move on.  Those changes are often times for a better way. We may have felt we were caught in a tunnel that seemed to have a boulder at the end of it, and felt as though we could never push through. Just when we are exhausted from trying, a light in the tunnel shines through a crack and we are redirected to a new way.

Two years ago today at approximately 4 p.m., my husband and I were told to see a specialist for, what was to us at the time, a foreign description of a disease - swollen lymph nodes. 

Two years ago today, the tunnel I found myself in was narrow and very dark. But it didn't last very long. God knew we needed to see a glimmer of light through the cracks that seemed to us as being sealed.  

Bill and I promised we would be strong for each other.  And we were. New doors were opening and shining light through every day.  And yes, again I say, Bill was needed in heaven for whatever reason we do not know. But I do know that I am thankful for the ability to search with eyes opened wide for the next small crack and will push through until the light becomes, oh, so bright.

Today, my daughter Christina is making a move back to Pennsylvania.  Her time spent here was short but, my goodness, it was without a doubt a positive step in her life. I am very glad to know that she sees light in the cracks. Doors will open wide for her, too.

Incredible how we are able to adjust to new beginnings. So very cool, to be honest. 

May you have a wonderful day. If you happen to be experiencing extreme, unseasonable happenings in your life, I wish for you to open your eyes wide, see the light, then take a deep breath of new air and push that next door open.  That's what I do!  :)

Love and happiness to all
Joanne/Mom/Nana

 

Thank you to my friends and family...

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." - Booker T. Washington

Thank you, my family and friends, for lifting me up so often - in every thought and prayer. Based on this quote of Booker T. Washington who was a very wise and courageous man, you must feel so awesome and high by now!
For many months of you helping me, I thank you again and again.

Extra Miles? Oh, my gosh!

Hey, Gang!

Happy Holiday Weekend!  Just wanted to let you all know I didn't fall off the face of the internet this week.  I did my run last Sunday after a 2 week break for this issue with a muscle or whatever it is on the inside of my leg.

My run was great, I felt great until about mile 13.  Then I could feel the leg hurting slightly again.  I began to take it easy and didn't care if I was out there all day, I was bound and determined to do my 18 miles.  I read signs, smiled at people, and cleared my mind of issues that would no doubt slow me down.

I believe it was somewhere around mile 14 when I realized I miscalculated my drive the day before and had to run a path 2 times, I was so confused when I got to the Kangaroo again and said, "Oh S***, I have to go extra miles."  There was no turning back to make anything quicker.  Bottom line, I accidentally did 19.8 miles, may as well say 20!

While I was out there (total time with many stops 5 hours, run/walk time 4 hours 15 minutes) I certainly had enough coolers set around so I was happy about that, only one bathroom was closed but wasn't a big issue.  I was feeling a bit exhausted and hurting and wishing it was the marathon day so that I could rest for a long time.  I thought to myself at one point, "Why am I doing this?"  And then tears welled up in my eyes, “I'm doing this in memory of not only my husband, who was my closest and dearest friend. But also in memory of many others and of course a big time reason TO HELP FIND THIS CURE AND TO BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE WITH THE TEAM WHEN THE CURE IS FOUND!”

The 20 miles was a bit much for my newly healed leg, so again this week I've been doing cross training.  I joined an indoor pool facility where they have buoyancy belts for pool running, it's quite the workout.  I've been told that I will not be hampered as far as range of motion or endurance and that by race time will most definitely be ready to run, listening to my feet hit the pavement, listening to my breaths in and out and believing with all of you there is always HOPE.  I am determined!

Think of me for 3 hours of lap swimming and pool running, I already did 12 miles on the bike and now off to swim.

God bless all of you this weekend.  Have a safe and memorable holiday.

(Labor Day 2009)