Perspective

Some times - many times - it really is the little things in life that truly matter. My very favorite part of the day is 7:15 am during week days. I walk the boys down to the bus stop, get hugs and kisses from both, and watch them climb onto the bus as I tell them I love them and to have a good day. Once they get on, the bus starts to pull away and the boys wave out the window at me. I catch them on the way back after they turn around in the cul de sac - blow kisses at them and sign "I love you." And they do it back. In 3 short years, James will be a teenager. And they will no longer look for me out the window. But they do now. And I cherish it.

*[NOTE: And I am especially treasuring it now after James had a huge throw-down tonight over homework. ;)].

*****

I had a good run this morning. I haven't run a tempo in eons, and I have been feeling motivated to shake off the slow and get back into prime condition. So I took off for my warm-up. I was slow and it was humid. Gah. Maybe I should do it tomorrow. Nope, the time is now. So I took off and it went pretty well. As I was about to hit mile 1, I started thinking I'd do cruise intervals of a mile (aka - run one mile tempo; rest; run another mile tempo; rest; repeat). But I quickly talked myself out of it and just ran the 3 planned miles with the last mile the fastest. It was sweet. By this afternoon, my calves were screaming at me a little.

*****
Thank God I could feel them.

Today we went to visit J. He got back to Madison a few days ago, but just started rehab and we didn't want to bug him during the transition and then after his first long days of hard work in rehab. But today we got the all clear and went to visit him. I will admit I was anxious. I have been so sad and scared for them both. And I didn't want to say or do the wrong thing. But I did want to go and let them know we are thinking about them and we do care. So much. We got to the hospital and he had just gotten back from rehab. He and A both smiled when we got there and suddenly everything just felt right. He looked good. Better than I expected. And he could talk (yay!). It was heartbreaking as he said, "you know, my mom, my dad and my brother did not make it." But it was heartwarming when he explained how they thought he'd be brain dead, but he was all there. And that rehab was going well. Nothing is being ruled as permanent re paralysis. He has a long way to go, but he has hope. They both do. It was inspiring to be there and to feel a little piece of that. I pray, pray, pray that things continue to improve. But even if he doesn't improve much, I think he will be okay. Some people really amaze me.

*****

Thanks for all the comments on my last post. You guys are the best. I am working to get everything back in order to make a big come back. And to make things clear, Jill was absolutely correct that I was whining about my Naperville time in my perspective. I think most folks who follow this blog know that, but it isn't about the actual time on the clock, it is about what we are capable personally of doing. I am capable and planning on moving ahead. Thanks for the hugs and encouragement. :)

****

Almost forgot. Joe Positive is running the Toronto Marathon this weekend. Can't flippin wait. GOOOOOOO JOE!