Boston Strong

I can't believe it was a year ago today!!!  I checked one off my bucket list... ran the Boston Marathon.  What a huge accomplishment for me and a life changing experience.  The fans in Boston are amazing!  I laughed and cried for 26.2 miles as they cheered exuberantly for all athletes.  With my name written on each shoulder there was never a dull moment as they cheered for me by name.   Hearing them call out "Mel" as I passed gave me the motivation to get to the finish line.  It wasn't my best race in terms of performance but I savored every mile. 

The race course in Boston is a beautiful place to run with historical sights and traditional perks like running through the Wellesley College Scream Tunnel.  With fans stacked up 6 people deep from the start to the finish, I realized that what makes Boston so unique are the spectators.

Within a short time of finishing the race we watched as everything fell apart.  I still remember standing only a block away watching emergency vehicles race past and wondering what had just happened.  Then being taken in by some of the locals.. watching it on TV... feeling numb.

Without a doubt, I know that my Heavenly Father kept me out of harms way.  I am grateful that I was able to return to my boys unharmed.  I am grateful the Boston Marathon will continue.  What an inspiration it is to see those who were affected prevail.  Boston is filled with a great people who love their tradition.  Boston will Stay Strong!

10 YEARS OLD!

This kid is the light of my life!  This past week we celebrated his 10th birthday.  I have lots of emotions when I go through the events of the past decade.  It has definitely been the most difficult decade of my 4 but also the most rewarding.

When I started this blog I desperately needed to link in with the rest of the world of special needs moms.  I leaned on you for understanding, advice and hope.  Through the years I watched as your children progressed and I cheered with you as they did so.  More than anything I wanted to see my son progress... but he didn't.  I. Stopped. Blogging.
I am sorry.  But life was busy and I was desperately trying to keep a marriage together and nothing I could do would save it.  We divorced and within a year I was remarried.  I am grateful that I have Brian in my life now.  When I got divorced I didn't think anybody would be interested in taking on a mom with 3 boys... one with special needs.  Instead, I was blessed to watch Crew and Brian create a bond.   It is incredible.

Moving, starting a new job and getting married has really uprooted my world.  I miss my friends, my neighborhood, and running.  I am really struggling to find the balance that I need to be happy.  These issues mainly have to do with me being a little bit introverted and I hope to soon feel like this place is my home.

I look back on the last 10 years with Crew.  I am a firm believer that Crew was sent to me for a reason.  My situation with him has pushed me to rely on prayer to get through.  I have a close relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation.  As for now, I am grateful to have this sweet little boy in my life.  He gives me the best hugs.  And while I may never hear him say, "I love you" verbally, I feel him say it 100's of times a day.  I feel blessed.  Happy Birthday Crew!