TWLOHA.....Dad

So, I'm going to make a departure really quick from my normal ramblings about life and write about something much off topic.

Today is To Write Love On Her Arms day....a day when people around the world quite literally write the word "LOVE" on their arms. Why? It is to raise awareness about the people we know or have known as well as the people who have been hurt by someone who struggles with depression, addiction, self-injury or suicide.

I think about my dad often(who passed away almost 3 years ago of an accidental prescription drug overdose)....but normally not as much until August or so...the month he died. But today brings back all those feelings, emotions etc. just rushing back. This day forces me to remember him. Its not all bad. My dad was a loving,caring one, but he struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. This I have no doubt led to his later addiction (well that and back pain) which saw to his premature passing.

A lot of things I may say on this post might seem like things others would say to keep to myself...but if there is even just one person who can learn something from it, then I think its well worth it.

My point is....let people know you love them and care about them....no matter if you feel like you are actually getting through or not. Just knowing you are there can do wonders for someone struggling with any of these issues.

My dad needed help, and he clearly never got the help he needed, or he would still be here. I tried to get him to help himself....I tried to get other people to convince him to get help....but to no avail. If you know ANYONE in your life who struggles with any of this stuff.....stop at NOTHING to try to get through to them. I think sometimes there truly isn't anything you can do...as the person suffering needs to help themselves....but sometimes they can be brought out of their dark world and shown the light they need to flourish.

Maybe this is TMI for most people I know....but its how I feel. I miss my dad...and it seems so unfair sometimes that he's gone already.....my little boy will never know his grandpa Leys. But...at the end of the day, at least my dad no longer has to live every day in pain...physically and mentally. Now he can rejoice in God's love,and wait....until I see him again one day.

Write LOVE on YOUR arms today and let those around you know about these issues.... that they don't need to be alone....and neither do you if you've been affected by this. This is a HUGE issue today.

Training with a Baby....Learning Flexibility

So I realized today its been close to a month since I posted last....well there goes my goal of trying to do it once a week. Sigh. Oh well. I guess I will just resolve to do it as often as I have time and feel the need to unload.

So lots has happened. Ethan was baptized and looked just adorbale in his outfit Krista made for him out of my wedding dress. It was so special she was able to do that for us. It was nice to see so much of our family and friends come to celebrate such a special event with us.

Easter this year was a lot of fun! We went to church in the morning then went to my mom's for dinner. After a yummy meal, she and Mike had planned all kinds of activities for Ethan and his cuz Taylor. They went on an Easter Egg Hunt outside, played on the paddle boat in the pond and went for tractor rides! It was a gorgeous day out and fun was had by all!

So in the midst of regular life and such fun events, Chris and I are training. He is getting ready for his first triathlon in Aug...whoo hoo! I am training for ultimately a marathon in the fall, but hopefully will hit the 25k in G.R. next month. I have thus far stayed injury free...so the 25K goal is looking more realistic....just 4 weeks to go! We've been getting out several times a week as a family to run which has been great for us as well as Ethan to get outdoors together. He loves his stroller rides. He always smiles when we get to the park and realizes he'll be going in the stroller. Half the time he falls asleep mid-run, but seems to enjoy it nonetheless. We also try to get some swing or crawling in the grass time after our runs for him too. Being outside is so nice when the weather cooperates!

However, having a baby accompany you on your runs can be unpredictable. Such as Sunday when I had planned my 8.5 miler....and the little guy ended up with an ear infection...so off to the E.R. we went! Once it was all said and done and we were on our way with yet another antibiotic, and got home, got him his medicine, fed, changed etc....he was in such a good mood(thank you Motrin!) that we decided to get a short run in anyway....instead of cleaning the house which was on my "to-do" list for the weekend... think I made the right choice....though I'm not looking forward to this week and having to try to fit in my running along with clenaing each night to catch up as well. Sigh...the issues of a busy mom. :o)

So, we at least got 3.5 miles in...not great, and definitely not my goal of 8.5, but better than nothing. So, moving that run to Tuesday hopefully and then still hopefully get my 10 miler in this coming Sat or Sunday.

Yes, running with a baby is teaching me to be a bit more flexible, which hopefully will translate to other aspects of my life. Flexibility has not ever been my strong suit. I mean, if it isn't in the plan, why would I want to do it? :o) For you fellow planners out there, I'm sure you can relate. However, those of you with kids can also relate...when they don't feel good, you drop everything until you know they're o.k. And I'm totally o.k. with that. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for that little guy.

On another note..off to Ethan's regular doc's office this week to talk about tubes more than likely. April was the test....if he got an ear infection in April, they told us we'd be referred to an ENT. As long as they make my baby feel better I'm all for it. Poor little guy has been through a lot in his short little life.

Well, lunch is about at and end...and so is this post. Until next time.