Truth

The first ten yards stopped me in my tracks today. I guess I am really injured. I did not go home though; I walked six miles instead.

I am coming clean here. I might have to walk these miles for a while while this leg repairs itself. I am laying this out there so that those who are sponsoring "running" will know that I am not actually running right now. I will, of course, announce the happy day that I can get back to running, but for now I walk. So be it.

It was an absolutely beautiful day to walk. Although I was trying to keep a decent pace, I enjoyed the scenery and birdsongs along the way. Life is good.

(6 miles)

On Being Human

It happened. I injured myself. It is minor, but definitely an issue. I am temporarily deflated...

(3 miles)

Purpose

On purpose, for a purpose, without purpose, what's my purpose...

I followed Becky around an island last week. We have not had that much time to talk, and be quiet, for years. I followed in her footsteps down the path, to the beach. I walked beside her for mile after mile. I walked in front of her on a bike path here, a pedestrian walkway there.

We had enough time to talk about our aging physical beings; 50 is not 19, especially at Mile 6. We had time to talk about weather and children and parents and friends. We had more time to talk about dogs and redecorating and past vacations and dinner. We took pictures. We marvelled at dolphins and jelly fish. We discovered new stretches of beach and watched carefully for alligators. We planned for the evening, the next day, our next meeting.

I do not wonder about myself on mornings like those with Becky (or with my sisters, or with Molly).

(April 7 - 8 miles, April 8 - 4 miles)

Relief

I am spending some time with my college roommates and their families. We are so lucky to have known each other over so many years. It sounds cliche, but it certainly does not feel cliche; each experience demands its own rules of diplomacy, action and affection. We laugh a lot. We are mean to each other. We love each other completely and without questions and without inhibition. We are the same and oh, so different. We are still growing with each other. We like to eat, drink and be merry!

For those of us who are not here now...we've raised one or two in your name. Love ya.

(March 30 - 3 miles, April 1 - 3 miles, April 5 - 6 miles)