It just seems like yesterday that we would load up the kids and go and travel somewhere for a race. Here I am with Molly at Grandmas marathon one year. They were always there as a cheerleader for me in those early days. Now, as the week goes on, Molly will be getting married this coming Saturday. Married? Already? They were just this little, weren’t they? I have been doing a lot of looking at pictures these last few weeks, getting things ready for slide shows. A lot of fond memories, good times, and I have to admit, some tears coming too. Can she be this old already?
Some things never change though…always on the phone! I loved their response the one time when Sarah and I were on call for the weekend, and the girls were about 2 1/2. The phone rang, and both of them stopped right in their tracks from what they were doing. One said: “Uh oh!”, and the other one followed that and said: “Shit!” I don’t remember who said what, but I had a talk with Sarah after that discussing with her that she would need to start watching her language when the phone rang! Hee Hee!
They were enough of those times when they got sick too! At least with both of us being a doctor, we could take care of them. That did not stop Molly the one time though. She wanted to call her doctor, Dr. Peskek. I told her I did not know the number. She said, “No problem…it is on speed dial!” Here we are demonstrating the benefit of ice and alcohol for teething. Some of the older docs at one time stated that is what they would suggest to use for teething. My first thought was, am I supposed to rub this on their gums to help relieve the pain? No! It had nothing to do with the kids. I was supposed to have a glass of ice, and pour alcohol in it, and drink it! It may not have helped with their teething, but I sure felt better!
But then, just like that, they are no longer toddlers. They got big, fast! We were so busy with them during those school years, everything still seems like a blur! The Disney trips were always great. I don’t know who had more fun, them, or me! But, I will say, watching them have fun definitely made me feel great!
Then poof! She was in High School! She took after us with the running, and was in Cross Country and Track! If was great watching her at meets during those years. If is more fun now being able to run some of these races now with the kids. We have done 5k’s, and half marathons. They will all be home this coming week and we will be doing the Hump Day 5K as a family!
And then, just like that, she was engaged to Tanner! She is very lucky, and we are very lucky, to be having him become a part of our family. And now, in less than a week, it will become official! I have told Tanner before that if he was wanting to become a part of this family, then he would need to pick up running!
And he has! Here Molly and Tanner are running in the Hospital Hill 5k we just had in June. This is just one of many they have run. We have run quite a few with Megan and Nate as well. Like I told them both, they need to run if they are going to become part of the Reiffenberger family!
This was from last year. In the blink of an eye, they have all grown up! This coming week we will all be together, spending time with each other, and taking more pictures as a family. You cannot slow down time, and if it were to stop for somebody, then they are no longer here. With everything I had going on this Spring, I am just so thankful that I am going to get to walk my Molly down the aisle this week! I am not sure I am going to be able to hold it together. Every time I start thinking about it, I get choked up again! Love your kids, and appreciate all the time you do have with them. Do things together, be active together, explore together. One day, “Poof”, they will be old enough to be out of the house! No matter what, I am still “Dad”, and nothing will ever change that! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of new streak: #133
