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The Race That Turned into War
“I can’t do it! “I cried. “Once again something I’ve lost everything I trained for. Six months of training in the trash!”. Injuries, illnesses and now plantar fasciitis had plagued me from the moment I signed up for my second half marathon. “I can barely get out of bed; I can’t wear my regular shoes and the race is a couple of months away.” I limped out of my car as my friend, running partner and pastor’s wife listened patiently. She smiled warmly and looked me in the eye. “And you’ll let the enemy take that away from you again?” Her words pierced my heart with loving conviction. “Ok,” I…
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The Little Red Rocking Chair
“Mommy, help! This is too heavy!” My parents and I were visiting our favorite children’s store. Not only did it carry high quality clothing, but it arranged a corner in the back with toys, a TV and tiny red rocking chairs for the children to enjoy while their parents shopped. I turned around to find my toddler dragging the chair she had been sitting in. “Honey, that belongs to the store. You can’t take it with you.” I tugged on it, but she held on tight. Chuckles erupted all around. “This is my chair!” she stated as she struggled to carry it out the door. The other shoppers stopped browsing,…
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The Coronavirus Blessing
“Mom, I’m coming home” my son said. My heart cringed from the unexpected disappointment in his voice. It sounded colder than the icy March temperatures outside. College athletes juggle their tight schedules between training, playing and school, so home visits are few and far between. I wait for those phone calls that also include lists of meals and activities he wants to squeeze in during the weekend. Even though my work multiplies compared to my regular empty nester schedule, I embrace it and wait for it like a child waits for Christmas. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “The school decided to go fully online because of the Coronavirus,” he responded. “But…
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My Disney World Expedition- Part 2
“You have to go on this one, mom! It’s the newest one, based on that movie we just watched. I hesitated for a moment. The previous day’s events were still fresh on my mind. According to the description of the attraction, I would: “Climb atop a winged mountain banshee for a breathtaking 3D flight…” “This is the Fast Pass lane, right?” I asked as we stood at the end of the very long line. “Sorry mom,” one of them responded, “but there are no Fast Passes for the good rides. We’ll have to stand in line for a little while.” The “little while” ended up being over two hours, during…
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My Disney World Expedition
“Mom…” that tone in her voice announced a petition. “What?” I responded bracing myself when I noticed her brother and sister behind her. “We think it’s time we go back to Disney.” “Are you kidding me? I still have PTSD from last time!” They laughed out loud. I didn’t think it was funny. “Mom, they have new rides that you’ll love!” her sister added. “I don’t want to hear about it,” I said as I turned my attention to the tv show I was watching. Needless to say, I gave in to their request. That was my first family trip to Disney World with our young adult children. That trip…
