Not Much Has Changed

#4 of #100grateful days: Thankful for running. You are my sunshine... my only sunshine... Momma's got a new pair of shoes!

I have a hard time keeping track of how old my shoes are and how many miles I put on them.  My others were looking pretty raggedy.  And I was starting to feel pains in my left heel.  Trying to avoid the horrors of plantar fasciitis.  Perfect reason to get new shoes.  Now... to heal up this blister...  someone gave me a helpful hint... gonna start writing the date I bought the new shoes somewhere on them so I avoid future running injury hazards.

Broken Crayons Still Color

#3 of #100GratefulDays:

 While out to lunch today I saw a young man missing one of his legs wearing a t-shirt that said BOT Survivor. Is this a military injury, do you think? It really impacted me to see his young face (he and his friend looked like he couldn't be too far out of high school!) with that kind of an injury. And it made me sad to think of our young men losing their lives or having to rebuild new ones when they have their whole lives ahead of them. Becoming wise beyond their years out of necessity. While at the same time, I am oh so thankful for those who are willing to serve our country in this way. And it made me thankful for survivors and the hope they represent.

I Am Thankful for Miracles

#2 of #100gratefuldays:

After writing the saddest poem, I've ever written, I think I need to post that today of all days... I am thankful for miracles. This being my favorite one. You were worth the entire eight years we waited for you, Kekoa (meaning Warrior, Courageous One) Joseph. I hope I never stop believing in miracles. Because they are one of the most beautiful, worthwhile parts of life.

I Didn't Drown

A true miracle. I'm still alive. I didn't drown.

#1 of #100gratefuldays:  Thoughts from my run this morning.... 10 years ago I learned I could do anything I set my mind to... with the help and support of others, of course... it opened a lot of doors for me and made my 30s some of the best years of my life. This picture from April 2003 is very symbolic to me. Just 45 minutes earlier I was quite certain I wouldn't be able to complete my first triathlon because I hadn't even made it two minutes into my swim and I was struggling. This is me finishing. There's a lot of back story to this accomplishment and it included the help of a LOT of people who talked me into believing in myself. It takes a village. And I'm grateful for that. I hope I can be the support to others that they have been to me.

Quit Pretending

"Mom, when are you going to quit pretending to be a mermaid princess and help us catch some fish?" - Kekoa, age 9 (July 2013)

Don't Sit and Wait

"Don't sit and wait. Get out there, feel life. Touch the sun, and immerse in the sea." -Rumi

I Love to Watch You Play

My birthday boy got the first out of the game by fielding a grounder and throwing it to first. And then he got two on base hits for two runs home... even sliding in on his back on that last one. I used to sit and look at him when he was a baby and wonder what he'd be like when he got older. Ten years later, I have myself a pretty cute little baseball player.  I might be biased, but I think we've got ourselves a pretty cute little "slider".

UNLIMITED

This is happening today, whether I want it to or not. I am now the mother of a 10 year old. Happy Birthday, Kekoa! You are smart, funny, and kind. Couldn't think of a better combination. Love you to the moon and back and to the moon and back and to... well, I just love you (as Gavyn likes to say) UNLIMITED.