The Last Stop

I spent this morning taking one last walk on a beach north of Charleston.  There was no sunrise to view as the clouds covered the horizon.  The beach was one where we had taken our children when they were growing up.  As I walked, I felt as if I were walking in their foot prints.  I remembered their laughter as they splashed in the waves and built castles in the sand.  Ah, there is something mystical about the ocean.

I spent the rest of the day traveling up the coast. We stopped along the way in a few coastal towns.  None of these places compared to Charleston.  Yes my heart belongs to Charleston.  I am already planning another trip in my mind.  And now I am getting closer to home and closer to seeing Laney.  My son assured me she is fine but, I miss her and can't wait for her greeting. 

Tomorrow we will be traveling through the mountains and I am hoping that the leaves have begun to change colors.  It would make a perfect ending to our trip before reality sets in.

Romantic Charleston

This morning I spent a few minutes watching the sun rise over the ocean. This is one of God's beautiful creations. I thought it was a wonderful way to depart from beautiful HHI.  As I looked down from my balcony,  I saw a little dog race happily across the dunes and around the palm trees. I was missing Laney and thinking next time I am here she will be with me. We were departing for a trip to romantic Charleston S.C.

As we drove in the car, I had time to think about what a fun trip we had with my best girlfriend of almost 50 years.  I love her like a sister.  She and her husband and I and mine had gone to Savannah, G.A. one day.  We had the pleasure of eating at Paula Dean's restaurant  which had me remembering some pleasant memories of the past.

At one time there were  five living generations of southern belles in my family. Now there are two, my daughter and I.  Although we both were raised in the north, we still love the traditions of the south.  I can still see my grandmother standing in her garden picking vegetables for a daily meal and I picking fruit from the many trees in her yard.  A daily blackberry, peach or apple cobbler was always present on the table.  I was sitting there in there in Paula's restaurant smiling and saying um and stuffing my small frame with the southern food which I missed.  I was so stuffed I could have easily been sick, but I wanted that food to last for awhile.  Southern fried chicken. collard greens, sweet potatoes, corn, okra and much more, I ate and topped it off with peach cobbler. What sweet memories.

Well before I knew it my husband leaned over and kissed me. My memories subsided as he announced we are in romantic Charleston.  My favorite place that I will someday live and hopefully Laney too.  My husband scores brownie points every time he takes me to Charleston.  He will be a lucky man later. So, I end this day in love and happy for all the memories.  Good Night!!

Freeze Frame

If I could I would freeze frame the last few days.  They have been picture perfect with sunny skies, warm temperatures and lots of fun.  The only thing missing is my sweet Laney.  I have been walking the beach and watching dogs run and chase the waves and wondering what Laney would think.  She has never seen the ocean and I am sure she would frolic in the sun as much as we have.  I can picture her strutting up and down the beach soaking up the sun and enjoying all the attention as people pass by. These moments have been so relaxing that I wish they would never end. I have found the beauty in not knowing what time it is or having a set schedule, as my watch battery died the day my vacation began.

I have watched my husband enjoy some simple things such as flying a kite and searching for sharks teeth while I snoozed on the beach.  The sound of the waves lulled me to sleep under the warmth of the sun. And, the full moon lit the beach for romantic walks that I wished would never end.  These simple activities have proven to be the best moments that any one could possibly dream. Who says life has to be 9 to 5?  I say get a grip and take a trip.  Become adventurous  and dare to step outside the box.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

Fun In The Sun

Laney is vacationing with my children and getting spoiled as usual.  She has been quite the ham as she made a glamour shot on facebook.  I miss her but I was excited to see her appear on my computer.  She has quite a few fans and is a social butterfly.  I won't be surprised if she asks for her own  facebook page.

As for my husband and I, we are enjoying walking on the beach in  sunny, warm HHI.  Our days are filled with playing in the sand, riding bicycles, playing tennis, and... well use your imagination.  And by the way, the tennis racket did have magical powers.  It made me perform more hilariously than ever.  It was to my advantage that my friends laughed at me. That means game, set, and match.  Now it is onward to golf.  I will yell fore now, so you have time to take cover. 

Tennis Anyone?

I was pleasantly packing the other evening for a much needed vacation trip, when my daughter stopped by. She surprised me by letting me borrow her tennis racket. You know the golden racket. I was like you trust me with your prized possession. I was feeling privileged and also a little worried that I may damage it. I was wondering how much that might set me back. She assured me that I was worthy of borrowing the racket so, I smiled and accepted with much gratitude. I was secretly thinking that maybe it would have some magical powers and I could show up my friends on the court. I have been trying to pretend that I could play since grade school. My daughter thinks I'm hilarious on the court and I think she is a pro. I stood in the doorway looking at her and remembering how she was a natural at tennis and moved with such ease around the court. I was happy to remember going to her tennis matches and watching her do something she loves so much. She stood there and gave me her silly giggle that I love so much. I think I'll keep that thought this week as I hit the court with the golden racket. Laney will be waiting to hear if the racket made me a pro or just improved my silly self.  Let the fun begin!

Light The Night

The heat has finally surrendered to the cool days of fall. The lows fell into the upper thirties last night and made for a wonderful evening to sleep. The air conditioner has finally got a break before it decided to break. Laney and I are enjoying the beautiful sunny days and temps in the seventies. This time of the year the flowers are beautiful. I am grateful that I was able to keep my flowers alive through the extreme heat and drought. My husband and I were able to get a three mile walk done yesterday evening while taking in the beautiful weather. Our three mile trek seems so effortless now and we are geared up for our Light The Night walk in two weeks.

The Light The Night is sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have been participating in this walk for almost ten years and we are grateful for all of you that have donated. Your continual support is much appreciated by everyone living with a blood cancer. On October the fourth the night will be lit by thousands of balloons as we joyously walk three miles and celebrate life. Join us if you can. Laney and I thank you all for the memories of the past ten years.

I do love nothing in the world so much as you...William Shakespeare

Seven Miles With A Smile

Over the weekend on Saturday I passed another milestone for myself. I was able to walk seven miles in two and half hours. I was still smiling and laughing as my husband and I finished up last mile. I reached a point where that adrenaline rush and endorphins kick in and I forgot the pain in my Achilles heel for a short while. I was elated that I had kept up my endurance, and I was not feeling as bad as I had after the six miles last weekend. The elation soon went sour after I sat down and tried to get up and I felt as if I were in a bent over position of an old lady. My knees sounded as if I had forgot to oil them. As I tried to walk across the room, Laney reminded me that I might want to do some stretching exercises to limber up the old joints. She demonstrated as she put her hind legs out and front paws forward stretching as her body elongated. I noted that even her tongue stretches as it comes out her mouth and curls up on the end. Then she springs to her feet rolls on her back and moves like a snake across the floor. The finale is when she springs back to feet and does a full body shake. I thought maybe I should try it, but figured that I might show her up. HaHa!! It is a nice excuse as I feared if I got down on the floor I may have been there until the marathon in January. So, I did take advice from Laney about stretching and started my own routine today and feel much better. Thanks Laney for keeping me on my toes.

Chosen

My mother has now been passed eight years. It seems as though it was just yesterday that I stood in the emergency room hallway by myself. Leaning up against the wall to support my exhausted body and mind, I closed my eyes to escape for awhile. I had spent many days at the hospital in the last years of her life. The staff knew me and I felt as if I should jump in and help them, but I was relieved that someone else was taking care of my mother. As I stood there a nurse placed her hand on my arm and said, "There are people in life that are chosen ones." She then looked into my eyes and said "You are a chosen one." I remember being so tired and wondering just exactly what she meant. I believe she meant I was suppose to be there, because I was strong and the right person to help my mother in her final days. For a few minutes I wished she had meant I was chosen because I had won the lottery, a trip to Paris, or maybe just a day at the spa to be pampered. Needless to say I have remembered that moment and it has given me strength to do many things that have been challenging.

I have been placed in that chosen position also as caregiver to my husband. Over the past fifteen years of his waxing and waning with lymphoma, I have spent many hours and days sitting in waiting rooms. I often wonder how many hours it has been. A journey that has been very lonely. Sometimes, I wished that my crossword puzzle book could talk or that I would wake up to find it all a dream. None the less I have thought a lot lately how great it is to be a chosen one. A chosen one is driven to do great things. They cherish everyday, find the good in everyone, and love all those close to them. They aspire to walk in marathons and raise money. They choose to stand up to cancer.

I believe Laney was a chosen one to give my husband and I much comfort, many laughs, and a reason to get up everyday. She has been a great companion for my husband and of course she has let me cry many days with no judgment. I hope everyone has the chance to be a chosen one and see how beautiful life is. I declare to the world how privileged I am to be my husband's chosen one. I love you!

Remember to support your favorite charities. Many blessings to MD Anderson!

Still Walking in Flip flops

Yesterday I ventured out in flip flops again to walk Laney. We had such a beautiful day and I wanted Laney to enjoy the day. I opted to walk a short distance in my flip flops as the back of my left heel has been bothering me and the pressure from my gym shoes seems to aggravate it. My husband and I are still sticking to our training schedule despite my achy heel. I seemed to recuperate from our six mile walk on Sunday, but the heel is still complaining. I still was able to walk three miles yesterday evening and hoping that the heel pain is temporary. I have been icing the heel and resting on my off days as much as one can. It is kind of hard to get through life without walking. I'm looking forward to a much needed vacation and hoping that the relaxation and fun will mend what ever is wrong with my foot. I continue to set my mind focused on walking the half marathon and continue to get strength from all who have been living with lymphoma. My biggest inspiration is my husband whom I continue to love and support. If walking and raising money for lymphoma research will take away some one's pain, then all the obstacles in my path are worth it. My husband, my children and I have awaken so many days with the uncertainty of living with cancer, We have drawn strength in knowing that other people like us have continued to live and we find peace in knowing that we can make a difference for someone else. Remember to support charities that are close to your heart as they rely on contributions for research. Get up everyday to bless your life and walk with your two legged or four legged friends. Your health depends on it!

Friends

Friends can be defined as people in our life whom we like, feel comfortable around, trust, and share common activities in life. They understand us and accept us just the way we are. They see past our limitations and allow us to change. These friends can be our colleagues at work, people we meet in our every day activities, and our own spouse. They can also be a four legged friend.

This week I was blessed to return to a place where I worked and spent ten years of my life. I returned in a volunteer position. I was a little uncertain of how I was going to be received, but was excited to be around teachers that always made me feel great. And to my surprise I was welcomed graciously with tons of smiles and hugs. They knew the right things to say and they let me be my silly self. It was a day to cherish as I heard the laughter of children. I will be working in the Library and reading to children. It is different than being in the classroom teaching as I did for ten years, but it was a great feeling that I was able to make children laugh again.

As for Laney, she looked a little sad as I left her on the couch and altered our morning routine. I reassured her I would return. She is of course a loyal friend and has comforted me through lots of rough moments in my life. I tried to make up to her as I returned home to take her for a walk. I also gave her lots of hugs to show her that I have not forgotten that she is number one in my life. And, to my surprise she looked as if she was laughing. Life is beautiful!

A Friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow... William Shakespeare

Exceeding Our Limitations

I just read on the LLS site that there are 662,789 people living with Lymphoma or in remission as of 2011. My husband is a part of that statistic. I have stated this fact because of the word living. There is much to be said after fifteen years of living with a blood cancer. Most days are started with a blessing that he is still alive. We sometimes feel that we have hit just about every obstacle that can be thrown at us. But yet, everyone faces obstacles life. We have learned along this tough journey who are real friends are and hope to make many more. If you have meet us then be assured that we bless you everyday. And for all who are struggling with blood cancers we are walking and raising money for continued research and cure. Fifteen years ago we were unable to find much information about Lymphoma and since then the research and new drugs has been phenomenal. This awesome fact has helped me step over the obstacles and see the finish line.

When my husband and I decided to walk the half marathon there was no discussion of whether we could do it. It was simply we are going to do it. This week of training has proven that the obstacles will not stop us. Storms blew through our community again and left debris all over the track, but it did not stop us as we crunched past broken limbs and twigs. The extreme heat left me dehydrated and electrolyte depleted. I literally crashed for a day on the couch with Laney and felt like a wet noodle. I felt really stupid when I realized that I needed electrolytes as I have preached to my own children and patients to hydrate and replace their electrolytes. Lesson learned...Practice what you preach. Laney continues to cheer us on every day. She is always at the finish line for a good tail wagging welcome. She reminds me everyday that someone relies on me which keeps me moving even when I hurt. And, I do hurt today as we finished a six mile walk. This was a victory for me and my husband as we collapsed and gave each other a high five. I thought wow that was only a 10k. Oh well, no pain no gain. Life is beautiful!

Things We Take For Granted

Everyday we are reminded of things we take for granted. I wonder if Laney has some thoughts about things that are taken for granted. I know that she relies on me for food, water, and her special treats. She also relies on me to take her for walks. When I think about it she relies on me quite a lot. I think about the fact that I have been blessed with the ability to walk, so I may fulfill all the things Laney takes for granted. As I have been training for my marathon, I have had time to reflect on things. Of course, I always think about how wonderful my life has been with Laney and I have reflected on a story my dad told me several times over my lifetime. It makes me think about how wonderfully blessed we are to walk.

The story my dad told is about a little girl who could not walk when she was suppose to as a toddler. He said she could pull herself up and hold onto furniture but her feet would turn completely inward and she would fall. Her parents were worried and took her to the doctor. He said that the doctor was not sure what was wrong, but suggested wearing leg braces that would help straighten her legs. She wore the braces for several years but continued to have problems. The doctor said she was flat footed and that her bones in her legs needed to be broken and reset. He said that her father told the doctor no to an operation that would leave terrible scars on the little girls legs. The father told the doctor we will take a chance that she will learn to walk. My dad told me that children have no fear and have not learned limitations that adults have chosen to live by. He told me that the little girl grew up and walks, and she is definitely not flat footed. That father was a smart man. And I am very lucky girl, because that father was my dad. So, never say never and be grateful for those things we take for granted. Thanks dad, I love you!

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first....William Shakespeare

Love and Triumph

Today has been a day to celebrate in more than one way. The storm Issac that has been rolling through has not stopped us from achieving a goal today. Yesterday the storm dumped three inches of rain on us and created a leaky ceiling due to an improperly sealed vent pipe in the roof. But, this did not deter my husband and I this morning from walking five miles. God prevailed and held the rain at bay until the last two miles which we finished in a light rain. It felt good as the heat and humidity are very high. Laney does not like rain and stayed indoors to enjoy lounging on the couch. She of course was happy to see us and greeted us at the door as we sloshed in all wet. It didn't seem to phase her that I looked liked something a cat had dragged in. The way I felt after five miles, maybe the neighbor's cat could have dragged me in. Regardless, this was a triumph for my husband and I as, my daughter and dad were very impressed. As the day climaxed it ended with lots of love as I was surrounded by my husband, children and Laney. We were celebrating the first year anniversary of my daughter's wedding. It has been a challenging year, but one that has made us stronger than ever and has proven all things are possible when we believe in our dreams.

Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind....William Shakespeare

Never Say Never

Never say never is what keeps me going and gives me the strength to get through the tough moments in life. I have always tried to look beyond what some think as limitations. I always think if plan A fails then there is B and of course there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Hopefully with goals and some thinking outside the box we can accomplish things we want to. So, I have lost my flip flops and have have found some walking shoes and hit the pavement. I have a training schedule in hand and I am determined to walk the half marathon. So far all is going well. Laney on the other hand did one mile with me and did a belly flop. I guess the heat is still too much for her. We are hoping for some break from the heat, but it has not stopped me. So far I am up to four miles in 70 minutes. Tomorrow will be five miles. I have finally made it past that slump where I feel exhausted after the walks. My endurance is improving with each walk. The last two weeks have proven to me that with determination and will power all is possible. I bless the makers of Advil, which has taken away joint pain and of course Laney who is always at the finish line for me. Every step I take is for my husband who has lived with Lymphoma for the past 15 years. I also walk in honor of my mother and cousin that lost there battle with Lymphoma. May they rest in peace as they have given me strength and purpose to accomplish great things.