Getting Some Fresh Air

I have not blogged in a few days, so I am updating today. Part of the side effects of chemo is DEPRESSION, and I have really been feeling down the past few weeks. I'm not sure if it's the medicines, Christmas Season, children being away, or the chemo. I finally found out from my oncologist that it is a side effect and the best thing for me to do is get away from my house for a few days.

 Eric and I decided a long time ago to take time once a month for ourselves, away from the world's worries, away from the Mayo Clinic, and away from the constant smell of the VILLAIN. We took a little trip Tuesday and Wednesday and just got away from it all. The prominent spot for us is to go to our condo in Mexico, it's close, and it's free. The weather was beautiful in the '70s. Eric was able to golf with Tom Scheurn, while Tamy and I decided to walk on the beach for as long a walk as I could. I walked on the beach; I took off my hat and walked, just me and my bald head. It was good therapy for me, and I got some vitamin D. I walked the path I usually would run. I imagined myself taking off running, sweating, dodging a few sand traps, then when we hit the smooth sand, I told Tamy, "this is the best sand to run on." 

The next day when I took a walk by myself, I was thinking about my life. A few tears fell from my eyes as I thought about the sand and the first 10-mile run I did here in Mexico. At the beginning of 2009, I was training for a marathon. Kayla and Jeremy announced they were having a baby. Kaitlyn and Brian announced their engagement. Blake got his mission call, everything was going smooth, and we felt like nothing could get in the way of our success or strength as a family. Then, when we hit the VILLAIN sand trap, everything changed. Nothing was smooth anymore. 

The thing is about taking journeys. Usually, you start a trip with excitement and anticipation, looking forward to the new adventure. We get prepared by reading all we can see about where we are going. We put together proper clothing taking care of packing and schedules. A spiritual journey often begins the same way, anticipation and wonderment. We go forward with faith, hoping the Lord will teach us along the way. I continue to learn every step of this journey. I am finding out how far I can be stretched spiritually, physically, and mentally.