Leaning on Family

 This year’s marathon challenge has been one of the toughest in the last 18 years, both physically and mentally.  Coming off last year’s medical problems and the disappointment of not being able to run in the Boston Marathon I figured this year has got to be better.  It was not to be.  My body has never fully recovered from the kidney/sepsis setbacks and it appears to have advanced my Parkinson symptoms.   As a result I had to lean on my family even more this year to complete the challenge. Their response was overwhelming and heartwarming.

Have I mentioned I am blessed with 9 wonderful grandchildren?   The credit for that of course goes to their 6 loving parents (and I like to believe a modicum of credit from us grandparents).   Among the parents, all are athletes of accomplishment, 4 have run marathons and 2 have run the Boston Marathon with me.  It’s no surprise that the 4 oldest grandchildren are top runners on their school cross country team and the next youngest 2 while not old enough yet to join the school team, are also runners.  

All of them joined in to help me crank out the miles including the 3 and 5 year-olds who ran/walked with me for a mile (actually they would sprint ahead then stop and wait for me to catch up).  I don’t have words to express the joy of running with my grandkids, exchanging stories about school, friends, activities and sports.    Equally emotional was having the family gather in Nick’s memory to help children and their families struggling with cancer.  Who wouldn’t tear up when the 3 and 5 year-olds handed me their money from their Easter egg hunt to honor Nick and help the sick children.

 

Another Marathon Challenge in the books.   We met our family goal of 50 miles and God willing I will be out there again next year.   I am still in need of donations to meet this years goals, if you haven’t given yet we can use your help. 

As always, thank you for your support.