Quote of the Day: “There is a time when we must firmly choose the course we will follow, or the relentless drift of events will make the decision for us.” Herbert B. Prochnow
I haven’t really run since the marathon until this week, and quite frankly, I was reluctant. I wasn’t sure why I was avoiding it although, fresh in my mind is making my way down Ogden Canyon knowing that I couldn’t really run on my foot, I was tired anyway, my friends were all patiently waiting at the finish line and I had a long way to go. Luckily, Joe was by my side. So, I think I was kind of mad at running, also disappointed that I had done all this training and it came down to a hurt foot at the end. I’m sure everyone thought my time was so slow due to cancer treatment but that wasn’t really it, the foot slowed me down. Every time I see the surgeon who operated on my foot, he’s a good friend, I can just tell that he thinks it would be so much better if I didn’t run, ever again. So, I have revised my vision with me and running, wondering if my running days are coming to an end. And when I compare it with biking, well, biking is so much easier for me and I really enjoy it. But, then today I ran, third day in a row, and I loved it. I actually felt great, my foot was fine. I only went about 4 miles. So, the fire is still lit within me. Maybe I can still run.
On Facebook, I received a message from a former student a few weeks ago. I can’t believe how much it means to have someone acknowledge that something you did made a difference for them. Mindy, is the same age as my oldest son, Nate and I hope she doesn’t mind that I include her message:
I should also tell you how thankful I am for the time in Community of Caring and Peer Leadership. I now live in Baltimore with my husband (of almost 10 years, can’t believe how fast time is going by!) and two children (Katelynn, 8, Ethan, 5). Had I not had those service learning hours where I learned more about loving people, I’m not sure I’d make it through the great (yet often difficult) experiences I’m having out here. We live in a ward that incorporates inner city Baltimore–about as hard core inner city as one can find. My second week here (2 years ago) I was called as the seminary director and teacher. I’ve also worked in the Primary–in the presidency and as a teacher. I feel like I connected on a different level with these kids, especially the teenagers, because of other experiences I have had doing service. And, WOW, I have a new appreciation for teachers! My friend from childhood, Shelly Spencer, got me to sign up so long ago for Community of Caring. Now we email back and forth about teaching in the inner city (she used to teach seminary in Philly). It struck me how some things don’t change–different venues, yes, and we are older, but still helping each other help others. The circle continues.
Anyway, I’m so glad you are a cancer survivor. And know that your work (even from 12+ years ago) didn’t go unnoticed. And thank you for always being so friendly and welcoming when we came to your home, went boating, etc. I wish so badly that the teenagers here had good friends, with good parents, welcoming them into happy homes with wholesome fun activities. I was always blessed with such great friends throughout high school. Hopefully, somehow, I can steer some of the youth out here in the right direction. -Mindy (Bliss) Phillips
Thanks Mindy for your kind message!
Joanie–
Thanks again for all you did to teach, and all the best in any cancer recovery! Remembering how I was helped & taught is what keeps me going when I (at times) get frustrated while trying to teach here. I just have to remind myself that this isn’t just some thing I can quit if I don’t want to do it anymore–they are lives that will be forever impacted.
I don’t mind at all! I’ll admit I was surprised to see my name when I read the post, but I don’t mind.