A couple Saturdays ago, my boys and I ran in our first one mile race. It was a “family fun run” put on by G’s elementary school and was followed by a 5K race for the real runners.
I’m not much of a runner, but it sounded like a fun thing to do together. Plus it was a fundraiser for the school. Biz, who is not into the school sport activities quite yet, really loves to run. Even at age 5, I think he gets a runners high. He likes to “zoom” around and actually has some pretty good form. He’ll tell you he’s the fastest kid at daycare. And I totally believe him.
A few days before the race, I found out that G’s lacrosse game was scheduled at the same time as the fun run. While G wanted to run, he also knew that lacrosse was priority. He’s been doing great in his first year playing games, and he wasn’t about to skip one. Biz, of course, really wanted to run and really wanted to run with me and his big brother.
And then I started scrambling. Their father was leaving for vacation. I knew that I should be at that lacrosse game with G. I also knew how much Biz needed to be in that one mile race. It’s been a tough few months for us all, and zooming in that race was just what he needed.
My trusty neighbor and friend came to the rescue, once again, and offered to bring Biz to the race. But Biz wanted us to run together. He wanted to zoom past us and wait for us at the finish line. His anger and disappointment was apparent and my heart just broke.
And then it rained on the morning of the race. Actually, it poured. I got an email from G’s coach that said the lacrosse games were cancelled.
We ran. Together.
While it was only sprinkling rain when we arrived at the school’s parking lot, it became a steady downpour by the time we left the starting line.
But we ran. Despite my advice to not zoom right out of the gate, both boys ditched me as soon as the race began. I caught up with them when they grew tired from zooming so fast. And then they zoomed again. We did this a few times until we crossed the finish line. First Biz, then G, and then me. They cheered for me as I crossed.
It wasn’t a long race, at only one mile, but it was the first for us all. And we got wet. Really, really wet. The only picture I took of the experience was after we got home from the race. We were soaked, but we felt accomplished. Both boys warmed up with hot showers until there wasn’t any hot water left in the house.
We ran together, and it felt great. To zoom. To let the rain hit our face. To forget about what anger we had deep in our hearts.
May has been a crazy month, filled with lots of scrambling. It has also been filled with some pretty special times.
Playing on the beach while daycare is closed.
Celebrating a successful kindergarten screening.
Being appreciated during a high school lacrosse game (G’s the one jumping in the air).
Exploring forts we’ve driven by many times but never knew existed.
Dipping our toes in the 50 degree ocean on a 52 degree day.
Picnicking on the beach on Memorial Day weekend.
Sometimes all the zooming makes us slow down and appreciate the things we zoom for.
So far sounded like a pretty good May and so glad you did get to race together. And I am with you on trying to slow down to enjoy the finer moments now. I keep trying to remind myself that all else doesn’t matter and will be here when I return to the computer. 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted..Tumble Leaf – Amazon Prime’s Entertaining & Educational Kid’s Show
It’s hard, isn’t it Janine. That darn computer is always calling me!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Wrestling for Good
Well put. It’s good you’re able to see things in perspective, even with all the rain there’s been some sun!
Patti Lawton recently posted..Selling your home in Midcoast Maine this Spring? (part 2!)
Thanks, Patti. There’s always something to be happy about. Always.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: LL Bean Trout Pond
So glad you all got to run together, even in the rain. There are times for zooming and times for slowing down, and it’s great that you got a little bit of both this weekend—both literally and otherwise.
Katie @ Pick Any Two recently posted..The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party
We’ve had quite the roller coaster ride over the past few months, Katie. But, yes, we’ve also had the chance to just slow down and enjoy life. It’s refreshing.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Dressing up. Just Because.
This grabbed my heart, Jen. The scrambling, the needing to choose one activity over the other but not wanting to, and the zoom. That wonderful zoom. Yes, sometimes we need to zoom in order to slow down. I love this. Just love. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Ilene recently posted..No Holding Back for Alexa
Ilene and I are totally on the same page. I hadn’t read her post when I wrote mine! 🙂
Alexa recently posted..All I Know is Pain
Thanks, Ilene. I know you can relate! You’re an inspiration to me. I don’t know how you do it with 3.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Track Your Giving Footprint
Good to see you taking in all the little moments and making them your big new whole xxxx
sisters from another mister recently posted..Memorial Day 2014
That’s all we can do, right? xo
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Mother’s Day Flowers
Jennifer this post had me bawling. Seriously. My heart just hurts for you and the boys. I was SO happy when I got to the part that it said it rained and the Lacrosse game was cancelled! And you could all zoom together. I love it that you call it zooming. I know there are going to be really difficult times as you adjust to your new normal. But I am really glad you are letting it slow you down and trying to keep the priorities straight. I wish I was closer so I could help you out. xo
Alexa recently posted..That time a Camel Spider attacked me on a deployment – Memorial Day
Thanks, Alexa. I wish you were closer too. Just so we could hang out or write together!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Writing About My Writing Process
What an important reminder for all of us! All my constant zooming around has reminded me too that I need to slow down once in awhile, especially for Eve. It sounds like you have had some really special moments with your boys
Bev recently posted..We all deserve a break once in awhile
We’ve had some great moments. It’s too easy to keep plowing forward with blinders on. Slowing down is hard, but so worth it.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Mother’s Day Edition
I’ve been there too – my daughter has a soccer game and my son has a water polo game both at exactly the same time at opposite ends of the city. Delightful.Yes to the rain stepping in! Isn’t it just the best when things happen like this and it all works out?
New to your blog and I’m gathering that you’re experiencing a new normal for you and your boys. Love your spirit – hang in there and keep zooming.
Kelly L McKenzie recently posted..Happy Birthday Happy Birthday!
Sometimes things just work out. I’ve had that happen to me a lot lately. I’m very thankful. I’m new to being a single mom, but I plan to keep zooming. And stopping when needed. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: First Lacrosse Game
I love that it worked out. I love that. I mean..sorry about the lacrosse game and all! Blame it on the rain.
You are a wonderful family, running out the anger and the sorrow and running with all of the love and joy.
Can’t wait to meet you all!
Tamara recently posted..I Can’t Let Go.
We can’t wait either! I will come up with some dates for weekends soon and email you.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Music Makes Everything Better
It’s nice when it all works out, isn’t it? I get so frustrated when there are multiple things on the same day and I can’t control it. With our lives these days, it happens all the time. Of course sometimes cancellations work against us, like tomorrow. Conference championships for track were postponed from tonight to tomorrow, which means there is a soccer game that the track running child will now have to miss. And I am certain is going to be grumpy about it.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted..Refreshing Summer Drinks for a Trop50 #GirlsNightIn (Plus a Raspberry Acai Granita)
Don’t you wish life had a pause button? Or maybe a mute button? 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Zooming
Well none of you will ever forget your first race that’s for sure! I can totally relate to the juggling, and the relief sometimes when games are rained out! Congrats on doing the race!
Elizabeth Atalay recently posted..ORIGIN Magazine & The SOULSHINE Tour With Michael Franti
Thanks, Elizabeth. Kind of makes me want to do more running!
Just the right reminder for me today. Thank you.
My pleasure, Lisa. 🙂
I’m so glad you guys got to run together and you weren’t torn between two good things. We haven’t ever run as a family, although that’s probably my fault since everyone else is pretty athletic, your words here make me feel like I should get it together and run a race with them. I’ll bet we all would love it.
Also – knowing it’s been a tough month – the fact that you’ve taken the time and shared the moments you have, moments of peace and love and being together…the best thing you could ever do. Lucky & blessed boys.
Stephanie recently posted..#AskAwayFriday with Dana
Hadn’t really thought of it that way, Stephanie. Thanks. As a writer, I definitely feel the need to stop and reflect, even among the chaos.
And you should definitely find a fun run to do with your family. It was a great bonding experience!
I love this! So glad yo hand the boys got that time together.
Lisa @ The GoldenSpoons recently posted..Summer Bucket List 2014 {Tuesday Ten Linkup}
Me too, Lisa. It was great!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Zooming
And your boys will remember that race for the rest of their lives… and I bet you will too.
I’m so grateful it rained so hard that Lacrosse was cancelled so you THREE could all ZOOM together. How perfectly it fell into place!
You have all endured so much- and yet, what I see in that picture is a beautiful bond that will just keep getting tighter and tighter between you three.
Oh those boys are so gorgeous. And you? Always beautiful and inspiring. I am in constant admiration of you, Jen. Your integrity and strength amaze me!
Chris Carter recently posted..When It’s More Than The Baby Blues
Oh, Chris. Sometimes your comments just bring me to tears. Love you!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Hi
Ohhh, I love everything about this. Glad the rainy weather gave your family just what you needed. Talk about a silver lining!!
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama recently posted..Training for a Goal Race: A Guest Post by Jill Conyers
Exactly, Nicole! It was so fun and very needed.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Hi
I sure do miss those moments with my son. The little things are the ones that matter, the ones you are doing now. At age 21 my son barely has time to chat with me, and I hope he remembers all of the many, many little moments we spent together while he grew up. I treasured every one of them.
Cathy Chester recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: The Life Of A Cat
I want to make sure I do treasure these moments. I know they don’t last forever, but the memories do!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Hi
So hard to feel like you need to divide yourself for your kids. Love how this turned out for you though. Your little guys are so cute! Kindergarten that is a BIG milestone 🙂
Jenerally Informed recently posted..The Aqua Net Awards
It’s a huge milestone, especially with the second child! Hopefully I can handle it. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Making an Impact Through Collaboration
Sounds (and looks) like fun!
The fort looks cool.
Amber recently posted..Things That Annoy Me Thursday: Tiny Kids At Adult Movies
It’s super cool, Amber!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Making an Impact Through Collaboration