Moments

Somedays bring you way more than you could wish for and today was one of those days.  I started running in May for the sole purpose of being able to comfortably run the Miles for Melanoma 5k in Nashville today.  My goal was to finish and to still be able to enjoy the day but mostly to give back to help fund further melanoma research.  I met my goal, and a little extra.  What I learned today is that it's easy to run a race when you've already won so much before you ever start.  I've said before that I'm about as good at asking for money as I am asking for help, but I've managed to surround myself with people who have gifts and talents that I don't have.  After the stack of checks that I just mailed in to the MRF and 2 boxes of pink t-shirts, we have raised over $4,000.  And, all I really did was run.  Well, that, and kick some cancer.

 The first day in may that I set out on the pavement to train for this hair-brained idea, I was sure I had lost it.  I wanted to go back home and I wanted to stop and walk but I also wanted to do what I set out to do.  And in the spring when it was cool in the morning and I was the only one up, it really wasn't that bad.  And, when I ran my first 5K in August and was sure I was suffocating because it was 100 degrees, it really wasn't that bad.  And, the day before my birthday when I made it to 4 miles in under 8 minutes a mile, it was really good.  And, today, when I was surrounded by a team of people who drove 200 miles to be there for me and an army of people at home praying, cheering, and wearing bright pink shirts, it was awesome.  

Today was full of moments.  It started at 5:15 when I took my chemo drug and then bent down to tie my running shoes.  I smiled at the irony of it all.  I was already on my knees so it was the perfect time to pray.  It was quick but I thanked God for the drug that I just swallowed to keep my blood from killing me and for the ability to feel my feet in the shoes I was wearing and the ability to not only get down to tie my shoe but to get up again.  I then thanked Him for all of the people who watch this journey and are inspired to give because of what God keeps doing for me and for the people He would continue to help because of the money they gave.  Then, I went to Starbucks.  

The next moment came sometime during the race when I was running on some path in the middle of no place in Nashville that I've ever seen.  There was really no one around me - sky, field, and a path of pavement.  I thanked God once again for that moment - to feel my legs moving one after another, without thinking about where I was putting them and if they would land there.  That moment pretty much carried me to the finish line.   

And, then there was a moment after I got my medal when I heard the cheers and I turned around to see my husband coming toward me to hug me.  As sure as the tattoo of my name on his wrist, there is no doubt he got it - not that I met a goal, ran a race, raised some money - but pushed through cancer and fought back to get to that very moment and hopefully many more just like it.  

I've never run with anyone before but Lauren was in town so we ran together for the first time the other

night. She's way more athletic and coordinated than I'll ever be certainly more competitive than I could ever dream, but at least I was prepared for this challenge.  We ran over 3 miles at a pretty decent pace and even if either one of us was dying we wouldn't have stopped.  And, there was the moment.  We said nothing just ran and  both realized how far I'd come since the day she had to carry me up the hill to the car at Vanderbilt because I couldn't get my legs to go and the days when I could walk but not yet run and would have her watch me run across the yard to see if it was any better.   Even though she couldn't make it too the race, I've always been grateful for her timing and her presence and this week was no exception.  

That's how life is - full of moments.  Cancer has taught me to savor them and stack them up.  Today I stacked them up in a little pile and I will go back to them over and over.  Back to the group of people in pink shirts at the finish line who should be just as proud of themselves as they are of me for giving the support that was needed to get us where we are.  Back to the sight of my little girl jumping up and down because her mommy got the medal that she hoped she would get.  Back to my husband's face.  Back to my knees that I can now get down to and know that I will get back up.  Back to the God that created me and has a plan for a hope and a future.  

Thank you for your gifts,

Kimberly

Inspired

"Inspiration - something that has a strong effect on what you feel or do - especially something good."

This was one of Bailey's vocabulary words and as we were cramming these definitions over breakfast this morning, I found it so fitting in light of all the greatness that has happened over the last week.

I'm a little behind on my updates because of a root canal that does not fall into the greatness category but it's great that it's over.  Very few people can relate but it is what I would refer to as the bone marrow biopsy of your tooth.  And, much like the bone marrow deal, the effects are lasting - I don't recommend unless necessary.  I do think that cancer patients should be exempt from any sort of non-cancer related painful procedure but I'm guessing by my misfortune this week that it's not going to happen.  The dentist ask me who referred me and I said, "Well, sir, your name starts with C, and the A's were busy today."  I am grateful that Mr. C was available but I'm not sure we're friends.

However, the picnic this last weekend was a big success.  There was definitely a sea of pink shirts and we raised about $2000 for MRF this weekend!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect and neither could the people.  It was so fun to watch everybody put on their pink shirts and enjoy the day.  The kids were filthy - the good kind of visible dirt where you know they had fun.  Kate was convinced it was my birthday party - I cannot think of a better gift!  I continue to amazed at the support we are given and how many people are inspired to give.  I was trying to explain to Bailey what inspiration is and the best example I could come up with was the park full of pink shirts and the box full of checks that I saw on Saturday.  I have one amazing team and an amazing group of friends.

Not sure where Ms. Merkle is in that pic but she needs some big credit for the t-shirt art and for having my back on my lack of computer skills too.  I consider myself very lucky to have friends that  take my story so personally that they use gifts and talents that I don't have to help me achieve my goals to help others.  I have party planners, cooks, decorators, organizers, fundraisers, and graphic designers - it's a dangerously good combo!  

Sunday was a big day too.  The third graders were presented with their Bibles and the little people sang in both services.  I've been to a lot of end of season parties for baseball and such to watch Bailey proudly receive those plastic trophies but this is only the beginning of a season.  And this Trophy holds the promise of the future, the story of the past, and help for the present.  It just doesn't get much better than that!  I watched him proudly look through the pages and rub his finger across his printed name. I pray that he will use those words to guide him throughout his life.  Kate was in full force with her chance on stage, of course.  I'm amazed at what they can learn in just a few weeks and how wonderful and dedicated the ladies who teach them are. 

We have subtracted and then added to our critter list around here with the hermit crabs.  I found one of the creepy little critters buried and not moving so he had to be returned to the pet store for a    replacement.  I was given specific instructions on what to purchase and reminded that the crab should

be free.  It was thought by my special friend that he would do better in a separate cage but I convinced him that the cage itself was indeed not free and we weren't purchasing anymore equipment for this little experiment.  He did choose the largest and most beastly in the cage and according to the girl at the store, "only the strong survive."  Hmmm...  On the way home, he decided to take him out of the box examine his activity level and the crab promptly pinched him, drawing blood, and a scream from the backseat.  Someone said they live 70 years.  We may have a winner.

We are looking forward to some fun family fall break time this week.  I don't remember getting one of those as a kid but I think it's a great invention whoever came up with it.  It's a good time to breathe in some air before we all hibernate for the winter and a nice break from the guilt you feel from not quite fitting in or forgetting some the site words, spelling words, forms, permission slips, or healthy snacks for at least one week.

Thank you to all of you who have donated to help us raise money for the MRF.  I'm so excited and we are looking forward the race!

 Love always,

KJ