thenextmailboxboston

Yesterday was the conclusion of 14 weeks of hard training with a total of 565.19 miles running – including the race. My goal was to run 26.2 miles in 3:45:00. I’ve been after this time for five years now.

Yesterday was my 18th marathon. I’ve done it before. I’ve trained before. But, this training was unlike any other. It was more mileage, more hours, and more demanding. And, it worked.

Yesterday, was hard…God, grit and grind got me through for His glory…along with some awesome praise music. I met some great people along the way. Heard a great testimony. Made some friends. Unfortunately, I had to stop to go to the bathroom. Dang it! (That’s what gets me every time. Dang it!) A lot of self talk happened – sometimes it was positive sometimes it was negative. But, in the end it got me through.

God has been with me throughout this whole journey. He gave me the desire of my heart. He knew 19 years ago that I would start running marathons. He knew this non-athlete would turn athlete and start chasing her dreams. I have now qualified for Boston three times. 3 times!!! (And New York with this run!) When at one time, while appearing on the Wheel of Fortune, I stated to Pat Sajak during my introduction -in a joking manner – that I would want to run Boston one day. Knowing that would never be a possibility. God had other plans.

My goal with this marathon was not qualify for Boston….that would just be icing on the cake. My goal was to run a 3:45:00 – Which would be a PR and a Boston qualifier. My chip time yesterday was 3:47:59 seconds for 26.59 miles. It was not the 3:45:00 but it was still a PR and a Boston qualifier. I was happy! Extremely happy!

Then this morning I decided to look at my stats on one of my running apps. After reviewing the data on the Strava app, I noticed I had earned several new achievements. When I looked at the achievements, it said I had a new marathon PR of 3:44:49. I was ecstatic. I knew my Garmin had clocked 26.59 miles. Sometimes races are off and if you don’t run the tangents, you don’t get the exact mileage. So at first I accepted it. Then, I started looking at everybody else’s data from the marathon on Strava. Everybody’s Garmin was 26.5 or more. Some were a little less so they must’ve run the tangents better than others but consistently it was a quarter-mile longer.

So with that I am claiming my sub 3:45 marathon. I trained hard. I worked for a goal. And I met it yesterday. I also qualified to run Boston and New York. #Operation345 was a success!!

I didn’t do it alone. I had amazing running friends who were with me most every step of the way. Two were going to be running the same race. One couldn’t make the trip – but she was there in spirit. #ironsharpensiron. Yoli ran a Boston qualifier too and won our age group. She’s a beast!! The rest of them were back home praying for us every step of the way. Tracking us and cheering us from a far. #thankfulandblessed

I had a great coach who knew what I wanted and gave me workouts to get me to the finish line and meet my goals. I put in the work with his direction! I didn’t miss one run. It paid off. We did it. They all believed in me!

And last but not least an amazing husband who never doubted my efforts. The time and effort it takes to go hard and dream big sometimes takes away from the ones you love the most. He never complained. He always supported me. And when I got home from race day he had a hot bath waiting.

Running Angels

Training runs….

God gave me dreams. My family taught me to go after them. They aren’t given – they are earned. There will be ups and downs but God gives you the power to push through and get back up.

March 7, 2020 will always be a day I count as a blessing. The journey leading up to it was a blessing. The parallel with life and work helped me get through to the finish line. There is more to come…

Yesterday was an amazing day!! We made it that way.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

One month ago today, daddy started his inpatient rehab after being transferred there from his stay in ICU at the hospital on November 10. One month! Let me show you how God has worked in one month…

In one month dad has gone from an inpatient rehabilitation facility to a new home! We knew God was working through all of this and was providing.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Often times we have to wait to see the results of our patient endurance, but with this situation it feels as if God is working in overdrive.

Everyone has a story to share. Our story is very different than many, I know. We have been blessed in a way that:

• kept daddy with us
• provided mom and dad a new home
• allowed both of them to keep living as they were before his fall.

We are celebrating God’s goodness! The last two weeks the blessings have also come in the form of GREAT news from the doctors:

• From the neurosurgeon – He is 100% and can drive! (Mom said they were in her car at the doctor appointment so he didn’t drive away from the appointment but did drive as soon as they picked up his car that was getting an oil change.)
• From the physical therapists – His balance issue is from inner ear issues – simple! Woo hoo!
• Mom is back at work…and I am sure dad will be too very soon. (Yes, they are both still working by choice at the age of 80 and 82!)

As I look back over the last month, my first thoughts go to God’s goodness and mercy. All of this could have turned out very differently. My sister, brother, and I are very aware of that. We are thankful it did not. Secondly, my mind is drawn to the fact that mom and dad have always trudged through whatever life has thrown them, no matter what. They lean on God and follow wherever He goes. Thirdly, the doctors told us when daddy was in ICU, that they expected him to make a full recovery due to the fact he was in such good health coming in. He said that good health is one of the number one predictors of recovery at his age. Both mom and dad are living examples of this. Finally, when met with a challenge, they both meet it head on. My brother-in-law, John, told Lisa he understood where she got her non-stop work ethic after watching mom and dad jump on the new project of moving so shortly after daddy’s release from the hospital.

• Mom and dad continue to model godly lives for all of us. They are in God’s word daily to discover His goodness and mercy.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Psalm 23:6 

• They choose His will no matter where the road it leads.

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

Psalm 25:12

• They have moved and been active their entire lives. Good health has been a priority.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” 

Proverbs 3:7-8

• Hard work and perseverance have always been mom and dad’s go to – NO MATTER WHAT.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10

God is good!

All the time.

All the time.

God is good!

What more can I say? Oh, what a month it has been!

God is moving and has been moving all along. One week ago yesterday we all were in the inpatient rehabilitation center with dad. We had originally planned to go to dinner to celebrate mom that night after the completion of her half marathon. Dad wanted to press forward. So, we did. We all gathered in the Day Room of the dad’s current home and celebrated life and family. Dad had a plan for all of us all along and he was going to share no matter what. 🙂 His blessing to us can be seen below…and I hope it blesses you as well.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

Romans 8:28.

Forgive, forget, move forward, let God move mountains!

As the weekend was wrapping up, we all were discussing next steps for mom and dad. They live in a nice one story home with a basement. The upkeep and second level will prove to be an issue in the future. They had discussed moving to a retirement community which has leveled care – independent living, assisted living, and nursing home living within the next 3-4 years. As a family we discussed the need for this to happen sooner rather than later. All three of us kids are at least 11 hours away and the peace of mind this would provide all of us would be huge!

This place is perfect! The independent living allows them to continue on as they are in their own townhome but provides them with basic medical care if needed. They will have access to the dining hall, the shuttles, activities, lawn care, and much more…if they want it.

My brother and sister-in-law were not leaving until Monday. Mari got on the phone Sunday and worked her magic. There were a couple of places open – now! Wow! Mom was going to go see one on Monday. Rob and Mari went with her. It was perfect!! Now to get dad on board. God was paving the way and we knew he would take care of this too.

Once this was a done deal, mom Facetimed me and we told dad about how God was working. We referenced Romans 8.28 and the word ALL. Mom and dad had both mentioned Concordia, the retirement community, to me separately over the last week, so I knew it was on his mind. He was feeling it was a bit fast…and it was, but God had it. As we talked, dad could feel this was the right step and was so thankful we had all come together to make it happen. We are a great team. #taylorstrong we are!

The picture below is dad sitting in front of his new fireplace. Mom took him by the new home after he was released on Friday. He is a free man. 🙂 Jasmine and daddy both approved and the mountain has been conquered.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4.6-8

Now to the fun stuff – the God is amazing stuff – as if none of that was. 🙂

To move, mom and dad need to sell their house. After looking at his place last week, mom called her realtor. Long God story really short – her realtor and his wife are purchasing mom and dad’s home from them and offered them exactly what they needed, and some. Mom and dad don’t have to show it. They don’t have to stage it. They just get to take their time and move out by the end of January. We originally thought they would have to be out by the end of November – next week. AH!

So, again, God is sooooo good. He moved a mountain we did not see moving as easily as God moved it. He is God! How quickly we forget. I had even told mom before she talked to the realtor, we need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in this and He is paving the way. Boy, did He show up big time!

God has been faithful and here is why…mom and dad are faithful to Him. This is daddy today. He is reading his Bible just like he has done daily for many, many years. Through the ups and downs of life he has shown us what a life of faith is all about. A life full of prayer. A life full of gratitude. A life full of thankfulness. A life centered around Christ.

Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11.23-24

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17.20

Our family is praising God for His faithfulness and His provision during this tough time. He has shown us He truly cares and has ALL things worked out. He goes before us! #thankfulgratefulblessed

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31.8

Oh yeah – daddy is expected to have a FULL recovery! Praise the Lord!

Well, that’s a wrap! The original surprise for the weekend for mom was a huge success. Dad’s surprise to us gave us even more reason to come together. God knew we would need to be there so he orchestrated that plan along side our plans for mom. He is so very good!

First, update on dad. He is improving every single day. He is attempting to settle in to his normal routine, even at the hospital. He is walking, and walking well. He is reading the paper and keeping up with sports. Watching football and keeping his caregivers on their toes!

His team is truly amazing and they are making a difference in his life as he is in theirs. Two of his nurse techs came back to visit when they weren’t assigned to his room. Dad is a difference maker.

The team has given us hope for release this week. This ordeal started two weeks ago today. What a whirlwind it has been!!! Praying for peace for mom and dad as they make decisions for their future this week.

Secondly, we go to the 80th birthday surprise for mom. The weekend has been planned for months. Dad and I have been scheming, telling half truths, and plotting this weekend to celebrate mom. When dad had his accident two weeks ago, he was still with it enough to make his request known – the plan must go on! And go on it did!

Mom knew Mike and I would be there. I told her about Chase and Erin too. But she had no idea about Lisa and John or Rob, Mari and Aspen. To pull off the big reveal, we had planned on surprising mom at lunch after she finished working at Crystal Bridges Museum. Yes, she still works at 80. But, since daddy was in the inpatient rehabilitation facility, we decided to surprise her in the lobby of the facility. As you can see in the video, we sat non-chalantly in the lobby and daddy spoke to her as she walked in with her head down. (As he predicted!) Boy, she was surprised! Watch the video for the full affect!

Part Two

13.1 miles – half of a marathon- not a distance most people want to walk – especially 80 year olds. But, as I told my mom this weekend, we are outliers, so of course she would want to do that to celebrate 80!

When mom said she wanted to do a half marathon, I was all over it! I started looking for one around her birthday and the Fayetteville Half Marathon popped up. It was located 45 minutes from her home and was the weekend after she turned 80. The plan was in motion!

We both signed up. We both trained. I trained to run one on November 2 knowing two weeks later I would walk with her. It was a perfect plan. Or so we thought.

God had a different plan. Daddy. Mom was worried because she missed her last week of training. I told her she didn’t have to do it if it was too much, but the hay was in the barn and she could totally finish it if she wanted too. And she did. On Saturday, November 16 we completed the Fayetteville Half Marathon in 3:31:06. Our goal was 3:30! We did it with our family, daddy there in spirit, cheering us end to the finish.

Mom did amazing. The course was beautifully and hilly! Mom kept putting one foot in front of the other no matter how hard it was. She made it to the finish with a smile on her face. The race director congratulated her after the crowd sang Happy Birthday as she crossed the finish line – TaylorStrong! She is my hero!

We are truly blessed as a family. The love and support we give one another through the ups and downs of life starts with the love of God mom and dad instilled in us.

Daddy had a special evening planned for mom the night after the race. We rearranged the location and trudged forward as mom did in the race. Dad spoke to us about family, love, and forgiveness. The strong bond mom and dad have is so very special.

Daddy’s message to all of us on video will be sent via another blog. It won’t upload on the plane.

To say we are blessed is an understatement! No words can describe the comfort we have as a family knowing God is in control and the peace we have knowing God is directing our every step along the way.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NIV

‘A man’s reach should exceed his grasp’…Robert Browning

One of Daddy Dale’s favorite sayings – daddy’s dad!

Today when dad woke up from a nap, after a long day of rehab, he reached for the bedpost to sit up on his own and with his eyes WIDE open he said, ‘a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.’ I told him he was waking up with quite the words of wisdom. Then he explained that was one of his dad’s favorite sayings and as he was reaching for the bedpost it popped into his mind.

When I googled the quote this was the explanation: Words from a poem by Robert Browning, suggesting that, to achieve anything worthwhile, a person should attempt even those things that may turn out to be impossible. This describes daddy’s work today. He is attempting even those things that may be impossible…

This video sums up the day. It was a hole in one! He hit it in the hole in all four sessions of therapy. His stitches came out from his original fall on November 3. He was able to shave and clean up because he was feeling rough. Now, to let him rest and do it again tomorrow.

Thankful and blessed for a day of putting one foot in front of the other in every therapy session. He is coming along by gradually passing one mailbox at a time.

Today was a good day. It started early with a blood draw at 4:45 a.m. and then back to sleep. 6:30 was the wake-up call to get ready for physical therapy at 7:15. He worked out first and then ate breakfast. He was able to nap a bit…which is good because nights have been long, very long. Occupational Therapy was next on the schedule, followed by Speech Therapy and lunch. After lunch dad had a chance to nap and visit with mom and Jasmine until more physical therapy at 3:00.

“You are not broken, sick is easier to fix.”

Anthony, PTA

While working with Physical Therapy this afternoon Anthony, dad’s PTA, stated, “You are not broken, sick is easier to fix.” He reassured dad that their goal was to return dad to his normal life. And if you know my dad, his normal life is not that of an average 82 year old. He teaches Health and Wellness, Walking, and Golf at a local community college. He delivers medicines to shut-ins for a local pharmacy and considers it one of his many ministries for Christ. So, no, not your average 82 year old.

His goals for dad were repeated throughout the day with every team member he worked with…from the nurse tech, Agnes to all of his therapists, his nurse, and his doctors. They all see a very independent, strong man who can and will make it home as good as new. We are thrilled with the team God orchestrated and gathered around dad. We are blessed.

Dad started the day with “I feel 150% better than yesterday.” If he keeps that percentage up we will jump into the future and be as good as new very soon!

God is so good. He continues to show up through your prayers, devotionals, flowers, and well-wishes. He will receive the glory for this in the end!

Mom and I are hanging in there. We are a tad bit tired but it is all worth every hour of sleep missed. Pray for a good night of rest for dad tonight. That is the most needed thing now.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5.7

Dad has used this quote recently –

Work through the stuff…

or something like this…

So, that is what we are doing, working through the stuff.

#blessed

Hi! It has been a while since I had the time to sit down and write.  I have had plenty of things to talk about over the last year and a half but none compared to my current reality.

The short version:  On November 1st my dad slipped and fell on his back steps due to ice.  He hit his head and cut his hand.  Due to the fact he needed stitches, mom took him to the ER.  They admitted him for precautionary reasons because he has a mechanical heart valve and defibrillator and had been feeling nauseous.  They determined all was well with his heart and he was experiencing a virus of some kind.   They kept him one night and sent him home.

Once he was home and as the week progressed, he worsened.  Mom took him to his hospital follow-up doctor’s appointment and they sent him to the ER.  He was taken by ambulance to a neurological ICU because they discovered a subdural hematoma.  This was the information that led me to purchase a plane ticket and fly to northwest Arkansas. We had been down this road in 2013 with mom and who knew what this road would look like.  I had to go.  So on mom’s 80th birthday, I flew to Arkansas to be there for her and dad.  I got to give her a birthday hug on her birthday. 🙂  She is doing good.  It is a stressful time and thankfully she has the perfect little service dog to help her through. Jasmine is at it again.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the Lord answered one of the many prayers he will continue to answer.  The subdural hematoma was small and would heal on its on – NO surgery. Woo hoo!  They also found he had a version of pneumonia called Legionnaires Disease.  This is treatable with antibiotics.  So the treatment plan started along with evaluation from physical therapy and occupational therapy in the ICU.  After these evals, it was determined dad would be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.  This is where this week begins…

Arkansas will be my home this week.  Dad was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility yesterday.  Great news…happened sooner than expected.  He is still confused and is very weak. I am staying at the facility because he wants to get up whenever he wants and he is not supposed to…he is an independent person.  🙂  The nights are challenging due to his confusion but we are in this together.  I keep reminding him this is a marathon and not a sprint and I have a little experience in that department.

Today he started the day at 7:15 with breakfast.  OT came around 8:30 evaluated him and helped him with getting ready until 9:50.  He rested until 10:30 when PT showed up.  They worked with him 45 minutes followed by Dr. visit, caseworker visit, lunch, orientation meeting, and Speech Therapy.  Needless to say, speech therapy was not the best because he was so tired. He came back to the room and slept for a while. Yay!  

We had several Godwinks – first, the Dr. was amazing. He spent 30 minutes assuring us that this is a team effort. He will spend time today communicating with Drs. from the hospital and his team to make the best treatment plan for dad.  He will get all meds figured out.  He reassured us the confusion is normal with a brain bleed…as have all others treating him. The brain is trying to heal and has been damaged. It can cause confusion.   He has asked a second doctor here to be a second set of eyes.  

They seem to have a great team. I am pleased.  The doctor ended with an amazing prayer and then gave us a mini sermon like dad does.  It brought tears to my eyes.

Daddy has had a busy, busy day but he still found time to read his Bible.  This is the hope we have – that he will continue to be true to who he is in all things.  We are claiming that word ALL once again.  

Romans 8.28 – All things together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose….ALL THINGS!

 

Godwink number two will be blogged about at a later time.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers. Each one is being felt.  Our specific requests now are:

– His confusion lessens quickly and goes away altogether – he has a cognitive test this afternoon

– His balance and strength return

– He does not try to get out of bed at night on his own

– Sleep at night

– Pneumonia clears up and does not worsen

– No complications from being off his blood thinner due to the brain bleed. –  He will be off for a couple of weeks until cleared by the neurosurgeon.  (He has a mechanical heart valve and has to be on it for life.)

Thank you for joining me as we traverse this De Javu Journey Round #2!

#blessed