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