This week I was able to run on four different days.
I was able to take pictures of a Monarch butterfly while I was out running.
Thursday was National Gorgeous Grandmother Day!
But the moment I’ll remember most happened in a nursing home.
My daughter Molly was feeding her son, Caleb, my grandson, and my mom’s great grandson, in the middle of a table in a nursing home dining room. He was just being happy, smiling, laughing, and truly getting the attention of all of the staff, and residents. Without me even initially noticing, I saw my mom’s hand holding onto to Caleb’s foot! She had a huge smile on her face. You can never take the mom out of her. She was beaming! She did not want to let go. She kept softly rubbing his foot, while Caleb just kept opening his mouth to get the next spoonful! Both of them were happy! Caleb and my mom may not remember much of this moment later…but I sure will!
One life just beginning. One life rich with decades of memories and experiences. And for those minutes, they were just enjoying each other’s company…and I was just enjoying watching!
4 generations gathered around the table…to eat…to talk…to spend time together…to make memories.
I was thrilled to find a monarch that I saw on the grass when I was out running. Last month we found a monarch caterpillar. Was this the same one?? Who knows. Funny how life often gives us reminders of the different stages in life.
I love to run, but this week was not about getting back to running. It was about a 61 year old carrying his grandson, standing with my daugther, to go see a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma. A medal can’t give you that. A great race time can’t give you that. Even a successful career can’t give you that by itself. These are the moments we hope our lives make possible. And maybe that’s why I keep running…why I keep trying to recover…why I refuse to just sit in a rocking chair. It’s not about adding years to your life, but about adding life to your years. It was fitting that this past Thursday was Gorgeous Grandmother day…that fits my mom well! But…
…it also fits perfect for my Sarah! Keep making memories. Keep adding life to your years. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of newest Streak: # 879