I saw this license plate three times over the course of one week... Every. single. time. my heart lurched just a bit. Some of you know I've struggled to get past not being able to run anymore (knee). When I would see this, I would think about how some people run and how some people are runners. Letting go of the "I am a runner" part of my life has been hard... very hard. Ultimately, seeing this X RUNR tag gave me an odd little sense of comfort... I am an ex-runner.
The tragedy at the Boston Marathon this week is devastating. I cannot begin to fathom the thinking that makes someone desire to hurt others like that.
I was asked if I thought people would run the Boston Marathon again. My answer is a resounding, "Yes!" While most marathons don't, Boston Marathon requires that you qualify by running a certain time for your age; I never ran that fast. You can be sure that the people who do qualify are runners... to their very core. They don't give in; they don't give up; they don't listen to the voice that says it would be easier to quit. They are used to overcoming pain; to pushing past the wall; to thriving; to diving deep in their souls for the will to push on to the finish. Those who can will be back. They will not succumb to the darkness, to the evil. They will carry the torch for those who can't. I will carry it for them in my heart.
On the next subject, one year ago this week, I was about to have surgery on my leg for this melanoma. If there is anything the combination of this memory and the events in Boston says, it is to enjoy each day. We NEVER know how many days we have. I was so very lucky that they could remove this entire thing and that it had not spread. One of my favorite blog friends was not so fortunate; she passed away earlier this year. Get your check-up. The warning signs:
A: asymmetry. One half unlike the other half.
B: border. Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
C: color. varied from one area to another. shades of tan and brown, black: sometimes white, red or blue
D: diameter. while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E: evolving. a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
Now, this... well, it just makes me smile... a texted photo of My Little Roo, usually in such a good humor; he dances along through life hearing his own sweet music. But, he can throw himself down in a pure little hissy-fit when he feels it is required... with real, crocodile-size tears. If you don't believe me, just deny him some M&Ms. His Little Momma is so good... she doesn't give in to the tantrums. Noni... well, I offer the M&Ms before he has to ask. ;)
And, on another smiling note... we all need our Super Heroes... these two caped crusaders just make my days. I'm so thankful for the invention of texting photos!
Enjoy every. single. breath... every. single. moment. with your loved ones... every. single. chance. you have to give thanks... These moments are precious.
blessings ~ tanna
32 comments:
Now you're talking - you must appreciate every day - I think once you have a scare like that - you learn what is important! I am glad you are doing so well! sandie
What a sweet post and your two little grands are so cute!
Blessings to you, Tanna. I have been silently wondering about your melanoma and wondering if you are passing all the tests. Sounds good to me. And your little men....aren't they the cutest. My little men are now almost 16, 14 and 12. Now there are big hugs from them and it humbles me terribly.
oh, those precious little boys! :) thanks for sharing them with us.
SO glad your melanoma is doing well! i am sorry for your friend. so very scary.
each day we get is a gift. bless you, x runner. :)
Happy one year celebration!
I believe you are always a runner. You earn the title and then you get to keep it your whole life whether you are still active or not...kind of like a president or governor. :)
cute boys...hahaha...tuxes aren't Roo's thing?
So glad you are healthy and here! The tragedy in Boston is so horrific. No words can even explain. Love the tantrum picture, that is priceless.
Meredith
Has it been a whole year since you first discovered the melanoma? It hardly seems possible. I'm so glad you found yours early.
I agree with what you said about runners, too. I used to run in my younger days, but I wasn't a runner. My husband and both of my daughters are runners. You're right. They are hotwired to endure.
And I admit it. I giggled at your angry little Roo. Yes. Thank God for technology like text photos.
Great post, Tanna, and a very timely reminder to "Carpe Dium!" Hugs!
Boy do you cover a lot of ground in one post! I wish I was a runner. I am a fastish walker....about a 15 minute mile and that will be all for me. I loved your words about the runners running in Boston again and carrying the torch for those who can't run....that is when we are our best...most God-like...carrying the light into the dark. You are a torch carrier!
Thanks for the reminder regarding moles and what to look for Tanna...it's alway good to be aware. (and so glad that it's a year down the road from that experience and your health is good!)
I love the picture of your grandson's face....there are times when I wish I could have a hissy fit like that too!
I'm so sorry about the terrible disaster in West, Texas. I don't think that's anywhere near you (and hopefully not any of your family) but my thoughts and prayers are with all of the families there who are dealing with this tragedy.
Awww they are so sweet....even crying!
So glad they got all the cancer before it spread...I could not imagine the blog world without you dear Tanna. :)
Blessings always to you and yours dear friend. :)
I had cancer 12 years ago, Tanna, and each and every day since I give Thanks to God that he allowed me to live and that the cancer has not returned. Every new day is truly a gift!
Your grandsons are so adorable, even when the little guy is crying!
love hearing your thoughts on runners, tanna. grateful your melanoma was removed and had not spread! and those photos... they make me smile too! adorable! :)
You are so right, we need to appreciate every moment of our lives as well as those that are so very dear to our hearts. A good reminder, dear noni. :)
I'm so very glad that you are well and with us today, dear lady.
Love and hugs, Cindy
Dear Tanna, Each day is a blessing.
Please take good care.
I hope all is well. Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Oh yes I know those hissy fits...my sweet adorable Hotrod has been going through that phase lately...this too shall pass...adorable photos
The Boston tragedy is so terrible. I'm getting bits and pieces over here in SA. Love that photo of Roo crying. Something so cute about it!
Lots to think about here ... from the thoughtfulness of your photo-texting daughter to the celebration of good health and taking note of the blessing of each and every day to the determination to get up and run again. Thank you for all of this. I'm glad it's been a year and you are doing so well. Hugs!
I am so very thankful that you are here one year ago later, full of loving life. I hope you have many more years to come!
I am glad you are healthy and well, Tanna! It is so important for us to live life to the fullest as the Lord intends us to. Every moment is a gift from Him to us and we must use it to glorify Him and encourage others, I think.
As for all the happenings in Boston and Texas, I am nearly at a loss for words. Unfortunately, these are the times we live in as we draw closer to the Lord's return. I am in prayer and trying to focus on Him.
Your grandsons are just beyond cuuute! Tears or not!
HUGS!
Wonderful advice you've given to all of us, Tanna! Thank you. And we're all so very thankful that you are doing so well after your scare a year ago.
The Little Men are so adorable! And how sweet of your daughter to send photos!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I love each thought here...you are ALWAYS a runner...even when you HAVE to stop...and MANY, MANY congrats on the one year anniversary of putting melanoma BEHIND you...AND...I have to admit that I love ALL little child photos but sometimes we fail to take the ones where they are crying in anger, or dismay or frustration or exhaustion and THOSE moments are worth preserving as well. CUTE LITTLE BUGGERS! :)
WHOA...talk about a "run on" sentence!!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Wow I am thrilled that you are well!!! Melanoma is so scary.
RUNners have always amazed me. :)
THe little ones act like I do when I dont get an M and M....ha
You are such a breath of fresh air!
Your words about life are so poignant. It brought me to tears.
It never get old. I want to shout it from the roof tops.
Yes, we long distance grandmas love our text pictures, also Skype, mailboxes and phone calls.
The words you speak are so true. I run ... in my dreams :-)
I have battled skin cancer too. Melanoma is scary. Keep a close eye for any new spots. I always say that my Dermatologist's kids will go to college on my back (literally!)
Love this post!
Loved this post as always. Your little superheroes are adorable! I'm so glad you had a great outcome to the melanoma scare and you are here to share!
Blessings,
Dianne
such cute kids!
The boys are growing so fast and they are just as cute as a bug...
None of us are promised a single day, so it is very important for us to take each day and make the most out of life. Much has happened this past week, that has reminded me of just how important each day really is. I am thankful!
Hi Tanna,
Just dropping by to say Howdy. I'm doing a blog giveaway as a way of celebration of three years ago of blogging.
Drop by and enter. I will pick a winner next Tuesday.
God bless you and yours!
Viola
a post packed with wisdom and celebration...thanks for sharing...may we all remember we are never guaranteed tomorrow
Wow Tanna..you pulled all my emotions in this post. I'm a (lol) runner. The slowest ever but thankful that God allowed me to learn how to run in my 40's...though I am still a sloth at it. Can you imagine running that marathon and then having your legs amputated. The stories I've heard are just heartbreaking. Thankful for your cancer free. I'm sure it makes each day more "special-er" :) And the little guy in the tux, cracked me up! blessings...
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