Track

Yesterday was Robert's second track meet of the season.  It was such a blast because our old school district was there, so I was able to catch up with some good friends, and I got to cheer on some great kids as well.  Robert enjoyed getting to see some old acquaintances and catching up with a few people as well.  I was also so proud of how he did overall!  He won his heat in the 200m hurdles!  We were stunned...he looked really fabulous out there.  In fact, one of the coaches of our old school talked to me at the end said he was really impressed with Robert's stride and form.  It was so great to see Robert succeed.  Even though he didn't win the overall event, it was still so great to have him be able to finish in front of the rest of his pack.  Everyone deserves to feel some success!

The meet brought out a few other emotions as well.  It was so wonderful to be able to see some friends and visit with people I've missed a great deal.  It's hard knowing we (but especially I) left all of that behind to make this move.  And yet, it was another example of knowing that this move was the best thing that we could've done.  Our old school district dominated the meet yesterday and both boys and girls teams won in a landslide.  Now, I suppose some could say that why wouldn't I want Robert to be a part of that success?  But he would never have the opportunities to participate as he is now if he had to compete against those other athletes for time.  He isn't going to be a stellar athlete, and none of us care about that.  But he's getting to participate and he's having FUN.  I am so grateful we made the decision we made!

Middle of the week

Today is Wednesday, and we are still awaiting word on Mom's treatment information.  She's been told to expect it to start this week, and honestly, I want to get this thing going...I can only imagine how my mother feels in that regard as well.  I had hoped we would hear something by yesterday, but keeping fingers crossed today will be the day for news.  In the meantime, I'm trying very, very hard to enjoy the beautiful weather and count my blessings!

The girlfriend

We've learned this weekend that my brother-in-law's girlfriend has decided that she no longer wants to be his girlfriend.  I absolutely can't blame her, but as I am an in-law, my opinion differs on who might be to "blame" than the rest of the family.  This is the fifth "significant other" that has been in our kids lives.  They've all lasted a significant amount of time because there is usually no "alone time" between them...he can't handle being alone.  When he began dating this one, I refused to allow myself to become emotionally invested because it seemed to make sense it wouldn't last.  However, this one seemed to have the patience of a saint, she was around for over two years, and has been extremely good to my in-laws.  She also has a seven-year-old son, and when we told the kids last night, Thomas said, "I won't get to see D anymore, even though we are buddies."  His eyes even got teary.  My heart aches for him, that he is experiencing this loss.  This is why the girlfriend before, whom we ALL knew wouldn't last and who also had kids...I did everything I could to keep my kids from getting attached to those kids.  Maybe that is selfish and simply not nice, but I so don't want my kids to be hurt when there is nothing they can do about it...and maybe something that I CAN do about it.

Next week during spring break, Andrew is taking the kids to visit his parents.  Originally I was going to go along but right now I feel it is more important that I be near my mom.  I also think, given everyone's emotional state about life in general right now, that it is best this way.  While my anxiety will be pretty high, I also know that I'll enjoy some quiet time!

Taking the day

I have pretty much decided to take the day and just hang out...not really too worried about accomplishing anything.  I do have to teach at our agency this evening, but my quiet time today is just going to be about me.  For one thing, it is raining, and has been raining (rather hard) and dreary for the last 36 hours.  Secondly, I haven't slept particularly well the last two nights.  Thirdly, mom starts her treatments next week, although we aren't exactly sure of the schedule...I'm guessing maybe Tuesday or Wednesday things begin.  I had the thought that maybe I should really make sure the house is clean and things are done ahead of time because it will get crazy once the treatments start, but honestly, no...just not going to do it that way.  No matter what I've done in advance, something will need to get done and it will be stressful, so I'm going to take a stress free day and head into the chaos on a high note.  I am looking forward to popcorn and maybe a movie...or some of my favorite TV shows...either way, I'm going to relax today!

Feeling beat

I'll be honest, I'm just kind of feeling beat up today.  Nothing went according to plan, which honestly, isn't really that big of a deal...except that I just don't have that "reserve" to carry through right now.  I feel guilty that I haven't been up to see Mom, but I know that I'll be there when she needs me.  She's feeling great and trying to get lots of things taken care of while she is still feeling good.  And let's face it, my crying isn't going to help her in any way.   It's just so overwhelming right now, and the news of the death yesterday has just kind of pushed me over the edge.  My small hometown has experienced so much sadness in the last six months that it's almost unreal...and my family has been a part of it directly.  I'm so grateful for the friends who are coming out of the woodwork, just like they did when Dad died, to be supportive.  I appreciate their support, and honestly, I oh so very much need it right now!

Some more sad news

My mom called earlier with some sad news.   A lady I've known since high school passed away after fighting cancer for just over a year.  It's a completely different situation than what my mom is dealing with, but the timing of it just really stinks.  She was a very sweet lady who and had just had two new grandbabies arrive last summer.  My heart breaks for their family.

The beginning of the season

Yesterday was the Reds' opening day...a legitimate holiday in the Cincinnati area!  Unfortunately, we didn't really get to experience much because the first pitch was at 4:10 and Robert's track meet began at 4:30.  We were home in time to catch the end though...hoping for better things tomorrow!

And yes, yesterday was also the beginning of track and field season...a first for us!  Robert is throwing the discus and he really likes that.  He had two fouls yesterday and his third throw went less than 50 feet (the winner threw over 100ft) but I'm sure we will see much improvement as the season continues.  He also ran the 100m hurdles (great form but oh my goodness slow) and then was involved in the 4x100 relay.  We have no idea why the coach thought that was a good fit for him since he is much better at distances than sprints, but he kept them competitive out of the blocks.  His next meet is Thursday and we'll see what happens there!