One rainy day

Jun 11

I went for a run today with only one child and our single stroller.  Maren was over at Pip’s house, and — as much as I love my five-year-old — it was fantastic to not push her forty-four pounds plus the extra weight of the double stroller.  I am happy with my running: the shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain that have plagued me over the past five years are not bothering me this year.  I find this weird and ironic, but I am happy about it.  I am listening to some new music I downloaded thanks to your recommendations, and it is much more fun!  (Thank you!)  I still have a lot of recommendations I haven’t even gotten to yet, so I am waiting for some down time (haha) to get more.  Greta sang during the last third of my run; I actually stopped my music so I could listen to her.  She was saying, “Wooooooooooooooooooooow” over and over again.  I’m pretty sure she was impressed with her mother’s velocity and was cheering me on.  Or she was enjoying the vibration of the road in her voice, but whatever.

On that note, Greta is talking.  The Rozzinator bribed her into saying taught her to say “cookie.”  (Thanks a lot Mom.)  The “mamamama” that she has been babbling for months finally got directed at me this weekend, so that was memorable.  She says “book.”  She bursts out with an enthusiastic, high-pitched “HIiiiii” when someone enters the room.  She is such a charmer.  Seriously.  The flirtation, the grin, and the batting-of-the-eyes is so. cute. it’s. ridiculous.

Maren and Pip played here for most of the rainy day.  The phrase “Let’s pretend…” was uttered roughly one-hundred forty-seven times.  They completed fifteen coloring pages.  Greta and I were summoned for a puppet show; I struggled to follow the plot, and Greta struggled to stay in the reserved seating.  They laughed; we all laughed.  At one point, the entire family room floor was covered in a mosaic of blankets as part of an elaborate game.  There were at least three fake weddings.  Each changed dresses at least four times.  They each (gulp) had babies today.  And birthday parties for the babies.  I loved listening to their chatter and imagination.  Greta loved stalking them as they moved about the house.  What can I say, life is grand when you are five/six years old!

The bulk of today was normal, and I do so cherish the normal time.  I appreciate normal hours that, when strung together, allow me to forget that I have cancer in my life.   Still, cancer pops up: I text with my mom as she is in the frenzied testing phase of her diagnosis, Brad and I juggle our budget to make room for the many cancer expenses, a woman in the grocery store recommends the name of a wig store when she sees my scarf, and I am weary (the weekly chemo is wearing on me).

Life is good.  I am happy.  We are blessed.  As I was reading and thinking about my day today, I remembered this verse, an old favorite:  But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  –Isaiah 40:31

Amen.

9 comments

  1. I cannot get enough of you. xo

  2. Bonniebj /

    Been thinking about you and your Mom all day Jen. Still stunned but still trusting in the Lord for you. What a fun day and what a great verse to end the day with…one of my favorites as well. Sleep well my friend, be rejuvenated while you rest.

  3. Lenore /

    During this school year I have printed out each post and put them in a notebook that has sat on my desk. Many teachers and staff come in and read your story and you encourage us all. One day someone came in and asked how “my friend” was doing! I only know you through your story, but your life and your story has been a gift from God to us. God has put you in the hearts of His people and we storm Heaven on your behalf (and your mom too!). God bless you today.

  4. Maureen /

    Ironic about the running. Last year after my cancer diagnosis, I had NO pains with running. Like you I was plagued with issues. I started trail running and it was literally the most cathartic and most spiritual thing I did. I NEVER thought I could or would run more than a 5k. I did a half marathon 5 weeks after 2 major abdominal surgeries! Now that I am “better” my old pains have returned. I am so thankful that I had that though or I might not have mentally made it through!

  5. The blessings you write about are what stick in my thoughts today: the relief of running pains, the joy and laughter of children.

    I don’t know how much you blogged before your cancer diagnosis (I started following you after you were featured on Momastery), but I do know that someday you & your family will be so very grateful for the record of these joyful moments with your children. These are the kind of things I wish I had written down more often, as I look back through my own children’s baby books — the giggling games and the singing in the stroller. Precious, precious moments!

  6. Lisa /

    Friend’s favorite verse was the same as your duing her WAR on breast cancer. Love that one. Prayers continue.

  7. Julie Moore /

    You inspire me!

  8. Tina Mathie /

    XoXoX much love!

  9. Still praying for you!! XO Jen