Half Marathon

Rock n Roll Half Marathon April 27, 2013 

 

My goal was just to finish in under 3 hours and my time was 2:55:35.  I am super proud of that because it was about 50 degrees and rained the entire time.  Our plans were to run by ourselves.  But right before the race I asked John to stay with me.  I'm so glad that he did.  It made the run so much more enjoyable. 

 

We were about a half mile in and we saw a young guy using a walker and walking in front of his wheelchair.  It brought tears to my eyes.  I didn't even know him but I was so proud that he got out of his wheelchair and walked.  He looked so happy to be doing that.  

 

There are not too many pictures of the race because of the rain.  I really wish we could have gotten everyone's picture before the race.  Mike, Julie and Megan started at a different corral than us and it was just too cold after to take pictures. 

 

 

Wearing our shirts for Jack.

Lori, Saby, Me, Rocio, Rachel and John right before the race.

Betty, Lori, John, Me, Freddie, Frances, Saby
Rachel and Rocio at Joe's Crabshack for
dinner after the race.

Rachel and Rocio

Betty and Lori

Freddie, Frances (baby) and Saby 

We just happened to see the building for Antique Archaeology. 

 

 

In front of Mike and Frank's building.  Mike was going to
be there the next day signing books but it was going to
be during the race :(

I just want to thank everyone that ran for Jack.  It really meant a lot to me and John to see his shirts that day. 

Moving

Yesterday I started packing up Jack's room for our big move.  It's not a long distance but every move is big when the military is involved.  The packers will pack all of our things but I didn't want them to pack Jack's clothes and some of his things.

All of his clothes

 I folded up all of his shirts in the closet and placed his shorts on top in the bin.  One day I will make a quilt for our bed but it's not the time.  I can't imagine cutting his clothes up now.  I neatly folded his sheets.  The sheets that he slept on the last night he was in this house.  They even had a few spots of spit up on them.  I cherish those little spots.

Sheets, blankets, pillows and towel

I took all of his supplies out of his bins and placed them in one big bin.  I plan on giving some of his therapy things away and maybe even his equipment.  But for now it will hang out in our garage. 

I won't lie it was very difficult to pack his things up.  Since he passed his room hasn't been touched.  I did go in there quite often but everything was still in it's place.  We had to keep the door closed so Sarah wouldn't go in there and mess anything up. 

Empty bins and hangers :(

John is going to take his bed, wheelchair and clothes in his truck and we will let the packers and movers take care of everything else. 

Just a mattress

As I said before we are moving.  We aren't going far...just two hours east, where I grew up.  John applied for a compassion relocation.  The military allows this sort of move when a family member passes.  This way we are closer to family and of course Jack.  It all happens this week.  I better get moving and packing what the movers won't take. 

Another Accomplishment

Last week while at Old Navy looking at fall clothes for Sarah, a lady came up to me and asked me to get some pants down for her granddaughter.  I did and she looked at Sarah sleeping in her stroller and asked how old she was.  I told her 14 months and she said that her granddaughter was two.  Then there it was...the question.  Do you have any other children?  My heart started racing and I got dizzy.  I didn't think one little question would do that do me.  My answer, yes I have a son that past away two months ago and two step sons. 

She said that she was sorry to hear that and asked how old he was.  When I said three, she then proceeded to tell me about another three year old that suffocated in a bean bag in Louisville.  I wasn't really listening because my head was still spinning from answering her question.  She thanked me and we went our separate ways.

As I walked away from her I could hear my heartbeat and my hands were sweating.  But I did it, I answered her question honestly and didn't start crying.  Another accomplishment for me.

 

I did it.

I went back to the hospital where Jack was pronounced dead.  This was the first time and I have been putting it off.  Sarah needed her 12 month shots and I even thought about going somewhere else.  But I did it.  My heart was racing, my hands were sweating and my head felt like it was under water.  I didn't cry and I didn't turn around.  I felt like I've accomplished a lot today.