Last Race of the Season

The Last Race of this Season

Andrew just finished his outdoor track season.  His last race was Friday – Good Friday – in Charlotte.  Thankful for the GPS that got me there, and, more importantly, showed me the way out in pouring rain!  It was a tough race to watch.  He was going for a PR.  We are thankful for the bests he has had in the 3000 and 5000 this year.  He had a slight knee injury and did a lot of pool running.  He also had some respiratory illness that we cannot seem to stop even when we watch and know it’s probably coming!  But as his mom, I wanted this last race to be the best.  After the first couple of laps, it was obvious it would not be.  His arms were stretched out far pulling his legs along – legs that just would not cooperate.  Thankfully, Andrew just knew it was a tough race and kept on going.  He was disappointed but had a great attitude about it.  His time was not his best, but it was not terrible either.  I told him later that he had no idea what it took for him to run that race like that and that I appreciated that about him.  He just smiled and told me thanks.

 It was pouring rain, and I would not have wanted to be anywhere else.  Just before he started, a dear friend slipped down the bleachers and stood beside me and prayed and yelled and encouraged while Andrew ran.  She is a mother too, and a nurse.  She could sense what he needed – what I needed – and her presence was very timely and appreciated.  We were also able to talk about what I could see in his running.  She is a nurse who has “counseled” me a lot through Sam’s diagnosis and treatment of his diabetes and other things, so she is a treasure and a gift.  At least I have some words (medical terms) to start asking with when I check on his legs…again.

I have gone back and read some of my earlier posts and like the ones that are not negative.  I can remember how I felt writing some, and then I wonder how I felt writing others.  I think my heart is leaning more towards thankful – even though so many thing still seem unsettled.  Maybe I am adjusting to being in this waiting room of life – where I can truly put down the worry and let God handle it.

Just last night, I cried as I told Pete one of my deepest fears and frustrations.  It’s not a secret, but rarely do I speak it out loud.  And of course it affects one of my children and my concerns for his future.  I have worried about his future years ahead of time and every step of the way.  I know I have to keep turning him over.  And I do.  It’s taking it all back that I need to try harder to keep from doing!

We have been studying Joshua in Sunday School and took a quick break to have an Easter study the week before Easter.  With Joshua, we find all of the promises that God is with us and not to be afraid or discouraged.  The promises assure us that He goes before us.  (Deut. 31:6, 8, Joshua 1:9 are just a couple).  Then we studied and talked about what God did for us.  As I read something from a book, I got so emotional, I could hardly talk (much to the dismay of my children who were in the class!).  But thinking about the night right before Jesus was arrested and how much He endured for us, I think an emotional response was the only response because I was really thinking about what I was reading.  I had read it before so I had already pondered it, but the stark reality of what He did just rose up and hit me.  What a blessing. 

So days can be hard, for many reasons.  But I can choose to be thankful and trusting and faithful.  And I need to remember to do that always in every situation. 

Andrew will take a little break and then train for cross country in the fall. 

The other boys are good.  Sam has had some little illnesses off and on.  I read his doctor report from cardiology and let the thankfulness just flood me.  I did not take that report for granted. 

We are looking forward to Peter being home soon.  And Will is still busy outside doing whatever he can.  I am thankful for the days he is not climbing trees and pray harder on the days when I know he is. 

Thanks again for praying.  We feel it and appreciate it!