Sunday 3 June 2007

Race for Life

Today was the Race for Life. I ran it with four friends and my daughter and three of her friends. Three of us finished in 30 minutes, the last finished in 40 minutes. I ran it in honour and memory of far too many friends and family who have or have had cancer. My husband, bless him, flew in from NYC yesterday after a four-hour delay and still managed to make it to cheer us on and to host the BBQ afterwards. When I was growing up, I don't remember any of my parents' friends getting or dying from cancer. One of my mother's friends died on the operating table having the bags removed from her eyes. One of my dad's friends died from heart disease. But no cancer. So how come it's so prevalent now? Is it that detection is that much better? Is it something in the environment? All I know is that it leaves children without parents, men and women without spouses, and me without friends. I will post pictures when I figure out how.

Last night was my quarterly torture of taking my daughter to a dance competition. I got to sit in an airless auditorium and watch dozens of girls smile and cavort about on stage. My daughter's group took home a fourth place. I didn't envision this when I decided she'd like dancing when she was 2 and started taking her to dance lessons. Yes, she loves dancing, and I have the bank account to prove it. Still, it's good exercise and good for her in many other ways. She will appreciate me one day when she grows out of her rebellious phase.

Back to hubby coming home, I awoke Saturday to a text saying he would be delayed possibly by a day. I didn't know at the time about the terror alert at JFK airport. Well, I had myself as a widow within one hour. I had to go out and do some serious gardening to calm myself down. He obviously did get home, but goes back to London in the wee hours of tomorrow. This wonderful job of his takes him away from us all the time. Omega mum, take note.

5 comments:

lady macleod said...

Cheers! cheers! and CHEERS! on your race, and the family involvement. Well done! And for hubby as well, that's so sweet.

You will both be glad about the dancing classes. I still say the most dangerous thing in the world is a bored teenager. We did horses, dancing, ice skating, and airplanes - all an excellent investment.

Now I have to get back to writing! You know Q says writers are either out having adventures or at home writing about them - you can't do both. She is sooo right.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee said...

I keep my daughter very busy, and I'm busy as a result. Have fun with your writing and adventures.

DJ Kirkby said...

I was registered for the Race for Life, enjoy it every year, but this year was scuppered by the small matter of a unhinged toe nail... Glad to hear you enjoy it too, it is such a special atmosphere and a brilliant good cause.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee said...

So sorry about your toe nail. I always find Race for Life a very moving experience. In fact, I can't read some of the people's backs because it makes cry. And I can't run when I'm crying!

Morountodun said...

3 ten minute miles? Well done. I guess this would have given you a taste, whats next the marathon?