Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Archives for May 9, 2008

My fundraising efforts are paying off

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My decision to join forces with Team In Training (TNT) was not an easy one.  Actually, it was 21st Century Mom‘s suggested way into the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon.  I was apprehensive, but I soon realized that the idea had its merits. 

I gathered a bit more information about what my participation with TNT would require of me.  Realizing that raising money for any cancer is cannot be bad, I made the leap and signed up. Knowing that my next marathon with be #13, I figure that this is one way to make bring some "good" (if not luck) to the number.

I have to admit that I was very nervous about joining TNT.  I hate asking for money – even if the cause it worthy of funding.  So I sent my emails out and prayed that people would forgive me for asking.  I knew that there would be a few recipients who recognize the cause as worthy, and who would be able to help ensure that I would not have to fork over my committed amount in October. 

I am thrilled at the response.  It appears that my fundraising efforts are paying off.  I am nearly to my commitment amount and I am so relieved.  A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have contributed. 

EVERY donation, no matter what the size is huge.  It ALL makes a difference. 

If you are feeling left out, it is not too late.  To donate on my behalf to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, simply click on the TNT icon above.  I have only about $550 left to raise, and anything after that is icing on the cake so to speak.

Now that the hard part is nearly done, I can relax a little.  It is time to get excited about running again.  The TNT "kick off" event is set for May 31st.  Then I will  officially be training with TNT for the 2008 Nike Women’s Marathon (my 13th marathon), meeting other runners, and hopefully making some new friends too.

Click the TNT icon to visit my fundraising page.

P.S. I love you

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The activities in my support group sessions seem to be falling into the waste of time category.  On Wednesday, my mind refused to play along with the art therapy assignment.  The instructions were too vague and I didn’t have the energy or want to interpret it.  

I could not understand why we were not talking about the arrival of another Mother’s Day.  Certainly the group could have benefited by a discussion on our expectations and strategies for having a good day.  It wasn’t as if the topic didn’t come up in our pre-art discussion.  But our facilitator failed to clue into our need. 

A topic that I brought up (which could have been given some further discussion) was how I had once been searching for a note from my husband – some sort of message to say a final good-bye.  Of course, with both the advanced stage of his cancer coupled with the rapid progression of his disease, he never had the time or desire to write such a letter. 

I remember being angered when the ads for the movie P.S. I love you began airing.  There was a part of me that was curious about the movie, and yet I was angered that Hollywood felt the need to portray yet another false idea of a widow’s grief process to world.  That’s just what the world needs, more stupid ideas that a woman should get on with her life after a pre-set time frame.  3 months, 6 months, or 12 months: surly that is enough time to get over such a loss.  NOT!

Of course, when the movie became available for rental on iTunes yesterday, I decided it was time to see for myself.  I began watching it at 10:30 pm last night, in the comfort of my own bed, watching from from my wee little device. 

I was actually pleased with the movie.  There were distinct reasons for each of his plans for her (including the karaoke), and although there was one part in particular that I found disturbing, I was relatively satisfied with the movie.  I was glad that they chose to show her ongoing struggle with life, rather than my previous assumption (based on the short movie trailers) that she moved on with ease. 

Today, I am thankful that it is Friday, that there is coffee, and that I have no meetings on my schedule.  This has been another busy week at work.  I hope to crawl into the privacy of my office, work through my day, and hope that very few notice my tired and puffy eyes – the product of a good cry.  Of course, if the opportunity to get out for a run presented, that would make for a very happy ending to another crazy week.

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