Given it is Easter and Passover this week I figured it was a
good time for me to count my blessings, and I have plenty. A wonderful wife
three successful and loving children, 9 healthy and brilliant grandchildren and
a comfortable life (needless to say, neither Parkinson’s nor leukemia made the
list). I truly have had a blessed life.
I count still being able to run and help families fighting
pediatric cancer among my blessings. I
love being able to run I just hate running.
I know that sounds crazy and it’s not exactly true It’s just that some days
it seems the world is aligned against my efforts to run. I had a day like that this week. The weather was cold and drizzly and my Parkinson’s
was raging. My body was stiffer than a
two by 4 and my hands were trembling so much it took five minutes to tie my
shoes. Despite the challenges I was
still able to get out and do a poor imitation of running. It wasn’t pretty and it was exceedingly slow (I
was passed by a woman pushing a stroller) but some days it’s just about getting
out the door. A bunch of years ago in my running arrogance
I wrote in my blog that anybody could run a marathon, it’s just a matter of
training. I am now a testimonial on how delusionally wrong
I was. Running with Parkinson’s is a
humbling experience.
OK, that’s enough moaning.
As I mentioned earlier I have a blessed life and giving back through
Help in the Nick of Time is a privilege that adds to my blessing. Some
days I just need to remind myself, being able to run, in any capacity, to help
others, is a blessing and a gift.
The Marathon Challenge this year will again be a family team
effort. Running with my children, their spouse, and many
of my grandchildren is incredibly rewarding and knowing we are helping others
adds to the experience. For families dealing
with pediatric cancer your support through Help in the Nick of Time can be a timely
blessing for them. Sometimes blessing
are life challenges you don’t have to face.
