Stray Dogs

Since I am an animal lover,  I was observant of stray dogs that were along the race route yesterday.  There was one little dog that stood on the street corner and barked go,go,go.  He was not leashed and never moved from the corner, and we laughed as we passed by a cheer leading dog.  I bet he stood there for four hours and he is probably hoarse today.  At the Alamo there was a little dog limping across the street on three legs as he drug one of his hind legs behind him.  He was definitely out of the race. Then  along the last mile stretch, as I could see the finish line, I saw another stray dog who also saw me.  He was very thin and looked like he needed to eat.   As I was mentally pushing through the pain in my knees, I felt a wet nose on my leg.  I was in too much pain and too tired to run.  All I could think of was I have made it this far to be taken down by a dog.  Then,  by the grace of god a police woman appeared and told the dog to scram.  I did not look back as I thanked the officer.  That was the last burst of adrenalin as my heart was beating from fright.  And, there it was the finish line.  I wish Laney was there.  I missed her greeting.

Yesterday after my post I fell asleep and woke up several hours later with terrible right knee pain and a burning blister the size of a half dollar on the bottom of my left heel.  So much for celebrating as I had to have my hero husband help me out of the bed.  I was definitely wearing flip flops due to the pain of the blister.  My hero was gracious enough to help me into the car and take me out to eat.  He and the waitress enjoyed watching me slurp down a big milkshake. I chased it with Advil and laughter as the waitress stood there telling us jokes and congratulating us for walking a half marathon. I then returned to the hotel room where I iced down my knee and prayed I would be able to bear weight on it.  My knees are definitely reminding me of my age.  But, to my surprise I woke up this morning and the knee pain had subsided.  I have some sore muscles, but I am already looking for my next walk-a-thon.  There are no regrets despite all the pain.  After meeting and hearing stories of children going through gruelling  chemo treatments the pain I had seemed so minimal.  The money raised was well worth it. And, walking beside my survivor husband was worth every bit of the pain.

Today I am able to walk and my husband has flown back home to cold and snow.  He has left me in Houston to recuperate and enjoy a much needed vacation.  I am fortunate to have gracious friends that have opened their home to us each time we come to Houston for my husband's medical care. God Bless them !!!  Life is beautiful !!!