Tuesday, April 15, 2014

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!


Sunday, February 09, 2014

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!