You're wrong, Mr. President!

Over the course of the past 8-1/2 weeks, I’ve met some very interesting people…under the age of 12!  It seems that capitalism is alive and well in the little town of Denver.  Several days ago, as I huffed and puffed my way up a hill in a nearby neighborhood, I saw a young man of 12 or so who had set up shop on the sidewalk in front of his home. As I passed, he called out to me: “Ma’am, would you like to buy some of my stuff?”  Now, who can resist a sales pitch like that?  I crossed the street and explained that I didn’t have any cash on me, but that I would come back when I was done walking. I’m sure he was disappointed, but I was afraid if I had stopped at that point, I would have chosen to ditch the last two miles and help him sell.   When I passed him the second time, I smiled, waved and kept on truckin’.  I have to tell you that it was 8:30 in the morning, and the temperature was already climbing through the 90’s.  His “kiosk” was on a quiet side road, and in fact, in the 2 hours I walked the area, only 3 cars had passed by.  All this to say that I don’t think there was any chance of him running out of inventory.

By 9, I was back at my car, and the hunt was on for cash.  If only the young entrepreneur took debit cards!  I had a $20 bill – as much as I wanted to support an up and coming capitalist, I didn’t need to support him to the tune of $20 …so I drove to the nearby Wilco, bought a soda, and got change of a $20. Would he have tired of waiting for customers? Who could blame him? He was probably in the air conditioning playing the latest video game!  I was wrong. As I pulled up in front of the house next door, I saw that he was not only still at his post, he had added a large umbrella over his table.  Would love to know what the neighbor adjusting his sprinkler was thinking as my overheated, pink-clad body climbed out of my car.  As I approached the table, the young man recognized me and a look of surprise came over his face.  I reminded him that I had said I’d be back, and asked him to show me what he had to sell – wallets, made out of colorful duct tape was the item of the day – different colors, prints, shapes – bill holders, change holders; he also had a couple of duct-tape bracelets.  His friends informed me that everything was $1.00 apiece.  I chose two wallets and handed him a $5.00 bill, telling him to “keep the change.”  (love that line from Home Alone when Macaulay Culkin says – “keep the change, you filthy animal!” but I digress…)    The look on that young man’s face was priceless as he stammered  – “Thanks a lot, Ma’am!”   I may have imagined it, but I think his two friends looked at him with newfound respect.  As I drove away, he waved, smiling ear to ear, then ran towards his house – I wondered if he was going to let his mom know of his windfall!! 

I thought about that boy throughout the day, and since and the memory of that morning brings a smile to my face every time.  I should have asked him his name; I should have asked him what he was earning the money for. When most children his age were probably still in bed, or watching cartoons, or surfing the net, this young man was doing something constructive with his time and energy. Whatever he made that day in the way of sales, was because of HIS hard work and diligence . . . just sayin’! 

What happens on a 5 mile walk when it's overcast?

. . . a lot less squinting, and drinking, and SWEATING!!

What a pleasant 5 miles it was this morning. I planned on walking at 6:30 a.m. but overslept and didn't get out on the road until 8:10.  It was overcast and they were calling for intermittent showers. Quite a difference from the 95+ degree days we've been having since this training began 8 weeks ago.  That's right, 8 weeks have gone by, only 15-1/2 to go till the BIG weekend.  Have raised $1200 so far; $1100 to go and hopefully I'll make it because I'd hate to have gone through all of this training and then not be allowed to walk. I know, I know -- I'm benefitting healthwise, both physically and mentally,  but still....

In addition to the sunless sky, the humidity was low, and there was a slight breeze -- not to sound like a weatherman, but I can't begin to tell you how excited I was that that glowing orb was not out!!  The birds seemed happier, the dogs had more pep in their step, and the old man that walks his golden wasn't having as difficult a time breathing as he normally does.  I ate my two peanut butter crackers (that's all I can eat that early in the morning), drank a bit of Gatorade (it really does keep the swelling down), and finished  5.65 miles in one hour, 43 minutes -- not bad at all!  Hoping Saturday morning is overcast as well -- 8 miles is on the schedule. Wish me luck!

When the going gets tough, the tough get .... WALKING!

The last twelve hours have not been the easiest here in overcast Denver, NC.  After hitting the pillows at 10 pm last night (very early for me, I'm usually just getting started) I awoke at 12:15 a.m. because I heard something strange outside. Checked if the muskrat was on the turtle float eating his clams (long story that I'll  save for another day) -- he wasn't, in case you're wondering, and proceeded to try to get back to sleep. Maggie (our golden) had other plans, however. Apparently a storm was moving in, and dogs' hearing being what it is, she heard it LONG before we did. The panting started at about 1-ish, as did the obligatory paw rubbing (she has a foot fetish, what can I say?!) By 2:30, the thunder, lightning and rain was at full pitch and I gave up trying to sleep and moved into the room that has a trifecta of uses -- Christopher's bedroom / Steve's office / the Guest Room. Maggie likes to hide during a storm under his newly created desk (also another story for another day) but only if she is kept company. Being fully awake now, I did what any fully awake person would do at 2:30 in the morning -- check my email (c'mon, you know you would).  That is how I found out that my brother-in-law Rich had suffered another stroke (his third in all, since February).  My sister had tried to reach me by phone, but upon not getting me (cause I was asleep), sent an email. After replying  to her, and sending out a prayer request to the wonderful folks at New Beginnings Moravian Church and some friends, I proceeded to do research on recurring strokes -- the causes, and the treatments. At approximately 3:30, Steve joined us and I brought him up-to-date on Rich's stroke.  By 4:30, the worst of the storm had passed and we moved back to our bed; Maggie had other ideas however, so the panting continued for quite some time. I think I fell asleep about 7:15 and woke at 8:15 thinking I had dreamt the whole stroke thing, and that Rich was fine. Shortly thereafter, my sister called to catch me up on the details. What could I do but listen!  No words of wisdom, no clever sayings, no helpful suggestions, AND I'm 700 miles away!  If you have relatives that live a distance from you, you understand how frustrating it is to be so far away! Went through this back in January when my dad took ill, and it nearly drove me crazy.
If you know me at all, you know I am a fixer -- that's what I do, I fix things for people -- all sorts of things, but considering I do not have a medical degree, and the law frowns upon practicing medicine without it, other than doing internet research, there isn't a whole lot I can do for my family from this distance. Now, please don't tell me that God is in control...I know that, but I was raised Catholic and our mantra was "God helps those who help themselves" the idea being that you do what you can and THEN God steps in (at least that's how I always interpreted it until the good people of various protestant faiths enlightened me). So.... I did what I've done my whole life when faced with a frustrating, worrisome situation -- I made a meal, in this case, Breakfast!  Eating is good for the soul -- someone said that, not sure who, but who am I to argue with a saying that has stood the test of time? (I think it may have been someone in my Italian-Irish-American family) Then I cleaned a bit (just a bit, mind you), and pondered my next move.  That's when I came up with another saying that I heard growing up ----- When the going gets tough, the tough get . . . . WALKING . . . three + miles. Did it solve anything for my family -- not a thing, but I did get my training in for the day, got rid of some of my frustration, AND was able to watch "What Not to Wear" from beginning to end!  Don't you just love that show?  Please keep Rich and my sis in your prayers. Oh, and just so you know...everytime I see Maggie looking comfortable and dozing off today, I nudge her awake -- you know what they say about payback!

Strangers no more!

It’s a little more than a week since I last blogged, and I’m finishing up my 7^th week of training –

no blisters yet, which is a very good thing. The weather has been HOT here in NC – not just your run-of-the-mill 90’s, but over 100 on several days; not exactly conducive to walking long distances, so I’ve been getting out on the trail by 7 a.m.   It’s a great time to be outside – the air is still somewhat cool, the neighborhood is sleeping, and I am one with my new sneaks and the roadway! 

The first mile I am always struck by the silence – people-silence, that is. The cars are resting quietly in their driveways, windows and doors are closed up tight, and even the sprinklers haven’t come on yet. Nature, however, is not sleeping – the birds are active, rabbits are quietly feeding, and families of deer are crossing from one meadow to the other.  I spot them coming out of the brush, and stop. They spot me coming up the road, and stop. I feel like an intruder in their world.  The fawns don’t know any better and walk towards me, only to be “disciplined” by their parent. We size each other up, and both wonder who’ll make the first move.  Some turn back into the brush, but the older, more experienced proceed across the street, keeping a watch.  When they have safely cleared the road, I continue on my way, with a smile on my face and a renewed spring in my step.  

As the minutes tick by, the neighborhood seems to awaken, slowly – sprinklers start up, garage doors open, and newspapers disappear from the driveways. No words are spoken, but smiles and waves are traded as I pass their homes.  One elderly gentleman approaches me from the other direction, and  his voice is the first I hear this morning (actually, the last few mornings) – it is  loud, completely out of place in the quiet, but very friendly, accompanied with a big smile…and my energy is renewed yet again. 

Workmen are making their way into the neighborhood, to continue the building of new homes. They murmur “good morning” as I pass, some in English, some in Spanish.  Dogs are given access to their backyards, and bark at me as I walk on by – one, a St. Bernard comes to the edge of the property and makes it clear that I should keep on, keeping on….and I do.  

As my fitness tracker marks another mile, the sun continues to rise higher and make its presence known.   Familiar faces exit their homes – to re-arrange their sprinklers, walk their dogs, start on their way to work – and every one of them note my presence, and signal a positive greeting of one sort or another.  A stranger the first time I walked this neighborhood, I now feel a part of it, and am learning the rhythm of their day – the policeman on the corner, the Time Warner man who gets to take his truck home, the working mom who explains to her children why they have to go to daycare as they climb into the mini-van, and the retired gentleman who tends to his beautiful flower gardens as if they were his children.  I feel so blessed that I have become part of this community, if only for a couple of hours, a few days a week. Hope they feel the same about the lady in pink!

39 Miles isn't enough??!!

First off, thank you for reading my blog. I so appreciate your enthusiasm. Several of you have asked what the blog name, ChurchLadyWalking, is all about.  It’s simple, really. For the past seven and a half years, I’ve been the Administrative Assistant for New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, NC.  (great church, great pastor, great group of people, you should check it out – I know, a shameless plug, but it’s my blog so live with it!) Prior to that, I co-led a Youth Group at another church, taught Sunday School, and spent 9 months as its Interim Secretary.  My sons and husband started calling me Church Lady. The “walking” part – well, that should be easy to figure out J

Anyway, when last we “spoke,” I had heard a commercial for the Charlotte Avon Walk for the Cure; not once, not twice, but repeatedly over the course of a day. I took this as a sign . . . I’m big on signs . . . that this was something I should consider – could I do this? could my walking make a difference?  39 miles in two days?  Yikes! Was God leading me to do this? It would certainly give me something to focus on; get my mind off my father’s passing, family dynamics, and the work that still had to be done – sorting and boxing of his things, etc.  But 39 days?   walking?  I don’t like to walk. I rationalized that if after Day One I had had enough, I could just go home.  Checked it out online and requested an information packet. In the meantime, I PRAYED, a lot, and asked God to guide me.  Just in case He was busy, I posted a status on fb asking if anyone has ever participated in the Walk, and to weigh in J

In the meantime, I learned that one of the church members sons’ had organized a team in Tampa for the Susan G. Komen Walk this fall, in memory of his wife, Jenn. She lost her battle several years ago . . . AND, a good friend (from Huntersville) was going to be part of the team.  So… more prayer followed --- and the decision was made.  Instead of walking 39 miles in two days, I’d be walking 60 miles in three days; instead of being close to home, I’d fly to Tampa. Let’s recap – I don’t like walking, I don’t like flying – perfect!  I didn’t say it made sense, I just believe that I’m supposed to do this; that God is leading me. Hope I didn’t misunderstand His plan!

The origin of this adventure!

So... here I am, blogging . . . not because I have important things to say, not because I think anyone will be interested in anything I have to say, but just because I need a way to document the challenge I've decided to undertake . . . in other words, IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!  The challenge?  the Susan G. Komen 60 Mile, 3-Day Walk in Tampa, FL October 26-28th.
How did this happen?  What would possess a 54 year old, overweight mother of two grown sons and church secretary to decide that it's a good idea to walk 60 miles in 3 days in Tampa, FL of all places?  The answer to this question is not a simple one -- more like an onion, many layers, some known at this time, some that I am discovering as I go about training for this event. 
While I've entertained the idea of "walking" for a charity in the past, the last time I participated in one was back in 2002-2003 (I believe) when our youth group was part of CropWalk in Charlotte -- "ending hunger one step at a time" -- a 5k walk through the streets of our fair city. Bought a new pair of sneakers just for the occasion, the children made a banner, and we walked the 3.something miles for a good cause. Did I enjoy it?  the fellowship, the antics of the youth, the idea behind the walk -- ABSOLUTELY...the walking -- ABSOLUTELY NOT!  You see, I don't like walking; it's boring, tedious, and time-consuming!  So, it makes perfect sense that I would commit to walk 60 miles, don't you think?!
The cause is a worthy one, without a doubt -- to raise funds to be used in research to end breast cancer! Over the past 29 years, SGK has trained more than 400 researchers, and funded more than 1800 research projects. It has provided more money for breast cancer research and community health programs than any entity besides the US government.  While the above statistics would certainly be a great reason to participate in this event, I didn't know any of these facts until yesterday!

 If the truth be told, this idea was borne as a result of my father, George passing away this past February 2nd -- he was 91 years old, and up until a fall in early January, followed by a second fall a week later, did amazingly well for a man his age, with as many ailments as he had since he was in his early 50s -- you'll have to take my word for it that my father was a force of nature; raised by a loving mother, and abusive father (who died when my dad was 11), brother to several sisters, husband of 57 years to my mom, Mary, father of four, grandfather to 15, great-grandfather to 15, friend to many.... The depression left an indelible mark on him, and he reminded us often that "what you kids need is a good depression to teach you the value of a dollar."  But, I digress . . . after his second fall in early January, my father's health declined rapidly, and in the space of less than four weeks, he went from Home, to Hospital, to Nursing Home, to Hospital, to Palliative Care, to Hospice.  During that time, he moved in and out of lucidity and I was fortunate to be able to be with him the last couple of weeks. I actually spent my birthday at his bedside. While he didn't always know my name, he did recognize his "baby" and I will forever be grateful for that. The last few days before his passing, he was in tremendous pain and it was gut-wrenching to have to see him struggle, and be completely powerless to help. I pray you never find yourself in that position.  I will admit (only in this blog) that I am a "bit" of a control freak -- I don't see that as a bad thing necessarily -- so not being able to help him was impossible.

Almost 5 months later, I still can't accept that I was useless to my father when he needed me most. And, it's one of the reasons, after much prayer, that I decided that I needed to do something useful, something that could/would make a difference. And, then I heard an Avon Walk-for-the-Cure commercial on the radio, and an idea was borne . . . .