Khan
Gone but not forgotten
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,924
At the fruit market.
My morning run was ruined this morning, but I did a good deed that was more important.
There was a 5K at our mountain community. It has a very small turnout by most race standards (usually fewer than 20 runners and 25 walkers) but it's a fundraiser for a good cause so I usually run it. I don't race it, but use it as one of my weekly runs for exercise.
One mile into today's race I encountered a nine year old girl who was running her first race. Mom sent her out alone. (I met Mom later-- she probably couldn't have walked the three miles let alone run it). Like most nine year olds running for the first time, she went out way too fast and was walking at the mile marker. I stayed with her, trying to get her to jog slowly but we walked most of the time. She didn't want me to leave her. Even when I could've left her with a group of walkers, she had latched onto me and asked me to stay with her.
So my planned 5K at faster-than-normal pace turned into a morning walk. But at least I did my best to prevent a young runner from crying.
Good for you! I'm sure that little girl will always remember your kindness.
Monday was 'icky' - grey, drizzle, wet, chill.
So we all stayed in, I listened to music on the family room system, surfed the net, read some magazines, and prepped for dinner which turned out nice! Smoked tri-tip, twice baked potatoes, grilled corn, and garden salad.
BBQNut, that looks scrumptious. My DH does not have the stereotypical male "grilling" gene. He has absolutely no interest in cooking on the grill-- even something simple like burgers. I do 90% of the grilling here, I can only occasionally get him to help out by doing burgers or the occasional hot dog. I wish he wanted to be a grill master, but since he has so many other great qualities I have learned to adjust ��.
I just got back from the Adirondacks...I jumped in the Mustang a few days ago and went to Old Forge just for the heck of it. I had a few brewskis and watched the Memorial Day tourist surge. I left way before dark to avoid the fireworks crowd, and also to be ahead of the dusk deer-in-the-road effect.
I stopped for gas in Boonville and called a lady friend to see what she was up to. I was promptly told to "get my butt over to the house" for dinner.
Mr B was studying anyway, so he gave me a kitchen pass plus.
I spent 2.5 days hanging out with her and her 2 dogs. We watched "50 Shades of Grey". Very visually tantalizing but also kind of creepy movie.
We spent a lot of time talking about her brother, who is one of my dearest veteran buddies. He has terminal cancer. His time is very short.
It is really wearing her down mentally and physically...the worry, the months of home care giving and now visiting and trying to be of comfort to him in the hospital nursing facility.
She was so grateful for the company. We covered a lot of sensitive subjects that she needed input on. She and her brother totally trust me, versus supposed local "friends" who have proven to be otherwise in this terrible situation.
She is also a veteran. Her brother asked me months ago to keep an eye out for her no matter what happened to him.
And that I shall do.
Being a VA Volunteer can sometimes be difficult, but by helping others, I grow in spirit. I cannot think of any better way to spend Memorial Day.
Actually, it is I who is the fortunate one to have them in my life. It brings out the nurturer spirit in me.This brought a tear to my eye. Your friend and his sister are very fortunate indeed to have you in their lives.
Today I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my retirement.
How did I celebrate? I posted this.
The very best 10 years of my life...
After a day of cleaning up a few (very few) loose ends and saying goodbye to more people than I ever imagined, I pulled out of the parking lot this afternoon and realized I am
FREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST! THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE I'M FREE AT LAST!
(All due respects and credits to the heirs of MLK for permission to use the above.)
REWahoo!, formerly REWanabe, who retired TODAY!