Blessings

 

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.