Skip to main content

Lessons from the marathon linger


On October 27, I crossed the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon. I know many would like to hear all about it. Words would not do the experience justice. There is no way to convey the emotions in the days leading up to the big race. Time spent at Walter Reed Hospital with three very special Wounded Warriors. Meeting the man that Sean helped save when he hit an IED. Loneliness and fear the night before because of no one to celebrate with at the finish line. The anticipation of the starting line. Running through the blue mile reading every single one of the displayed names of men and women who have died in this war. The tears that overtook me at mile 24. Woody’s voice playing in my head. Crossing the finish line and feeling at the peace celebrating alone.  (My celebrating came the next day with my students.)

My students spend more time with me than anyone else. I kept them informed of the entire marathon journey. They supported me with posters, cards, and most importantly, their belief in me. They heard more about the weekend of the race than anyone else. When it was time to celebrate my accomplishment, they were the ones to celebrate with me.

In just a few days, I will turn 50. Once again, the possibility of celebrating alone haunts me. And then I remember the finish line. After running 26.2 miles, a Marine Corps band played and I danced. Alone. And it was good. I am sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that I am a people person. I get my energy from being with others. People of all ages and walks of life. Laughing with them. Hearing their stories. Teaching them in a classroom. Doing community service together. Eating together. Texting and talking on the phone with them. My children, friends, and students are my life force. Yet, I am learning that I make my own energy as well. Spending time riding invigorates me and always puts me in a good mood. The wind in my face blows my anxieties and stress away. Running puts me in a zone and quiets my mind. Dancing? Dancing whether around the house or out in the club or even seat dancing in the car, brings a smile that does not stop. Therefore, as 50 dawns upon me, I will be dancing even if that means I do it alone at home. (Like that is going to happen. NOT!)

Be watching for the location of the dance party. As they say in Uganda, come on out and “SHAKE YOUR ASS!”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Hardest One Yet

 From the time I began this blog, I made the conscious choice that I would be honest and open in the moment – whatever is going on. For the most part, I have done that.  After struggling about whether to write about this particular challenge (let alone share it), I chose to do the uncomfortable and do both – write and share. “Your certification has not even been processed yet. Probably won’t happen until at least the middle of January.”  I took a deep breath as I heard those words a couple weeks ago and I realized what that meant. Christmas would look very different than originally planned. The retroactive pay that Santa was counting on to make the holiday something special for our family would not be coming. I took a deep breath as I hung up the phone and walked out of my classroom, despair bombarding the hope and excitement of the upcoming holiday. A tornado of thoughts began whirling in my head as I walked to the guidance office. Playing with our budget in my head trying to
7 comments
Read more

The Next Chapter Begins...

The first round of tears happened during the 8 th grade promotion. It has been such a wonderful year with all of them – 7 th and 8 th graders alike. The second round of tears came when I learned I do not have a contract for next year. I will not be returning to Benson Middle School unless the displaced teachers do not jump at the chance for my classroom.   Right after she told me, I did my best to remain professional and keep the tears at bay. Unfortunately, they came anyway. About the time the tears hit my eyes, an email a dear friend sent me when I first wrote about the contract situation came to mind: “There is always a reason for things. Maybe God wants you to move on and inspire other students.” I love what she says. I feel that with my whole being. However, it did not make hearing that I have no job any easier. So now what? I am floating off the edge again. My family began the year in two different states. We are reunited again in North Carolina. Both Tony and I with
7 comments
Read more

Aging sucks.....or does it?

Upon first thought, watching a parent age sucks. Unnoticeable at first. A bit of a stoop, some creaking in the knees, whitening of the hair. The doctor’s visits begin, as do the pills One for high blood pressure, another to thin the blood, and a handful of vitamins to top it off. The signs are there, but it is easier to see him as he has always been. My father, a pillar of strength. Until my pillar was knocked off-kilter. A simple surgery and the mortality of my father looked me square in the eye when the drugs took hold of his brain. Amidst his fidgeting and confusion, I realized…AGING SUCKS! And then….enlightenment dawned upon me….AGING IS BEAUTIFUL Wrinkles tell of smiles while silver hair speaks a life of memories. Knees creaky after years of kneeling in prayer, offering up a lap, and climbing up the stairs for one more kiss goodnight. Almost forty-eight years of memories nestled in my heart. Memories of my father. Taking us to church each Sunday Building and fixing
2 comments
Read more