(Shannon, The Redheaded Hostess, wrote a post that I spoke about in yesterday's post (Shannon's Lesson Number 5: Be There), where she listed things that she had learned from fighting cancer. This is the second lesson that I referred to.)
Shannon's lesson number six: "Be present for the little things"
I needed to be reminded of this. Appreciating when Gavin picks me a dandelion and brings it to me to treasure, or when Tiffany needs her shoulder iced from the strain of swimming. Those little things add up to BE the big things, don't they?
This past weekend I ran the Utah Valley Marathon. When feeling good during a marathon, most of what I concentrate on is getting to the end, and the means by which I do it. I drink at the aid stations because I know I need it to run strong, and take power gels and energy gummies because I have to fuel my body to complete the marathon. However on almost every marathon there are unforeseen variables. Wind, rain, snow, cramps, cold, heat, digestive issues, muscle/skeletal issues, previous injuries, and so many more variables that can change the outcome of any given race.
Saturday, because of head-on winds in the canyon, and the rolling hills, the middle miles were tough. Kristi and I knew we would of course finish, however running through the muscle cramps that ensued around mile 17 was difficult. Jocelyn had told us she be on the course around mile 20. We distracted ourselves looking for her, beginning around mile 19, and egging each other to "run until we see Jocelyn ". About mile 21 I told myself that I had missed her and that I should focus on the end, but 5 more miles seemed an incredible feat with my muscle issues, and Kristi was struggling too.
When we came upon Jocelyn at mile 21.5, her smile, and words of encouragement meant the world to both Kristi and I. And it gave us the distraction, and the mental support to keep moving forward. Thank you Jocelyn for being there for, and being part of my little thing.
When my girls were younger they used to put on "JMT shows" nearly every week. They would prepare the music, lighting, dances and props for almost a week solid. (These events often included music--usually N'Sync, Beanie babies, barbies, and elaborate costumes.) Then they would request Shawn's and my presence at the concert, usually with accompanying hand made tickets.
The "JMT" theatrical events deeply shaped my memories of their wonderful childhood, and are cherished memories. Those small moments in time then, translate now to incredible memories for me of their personalities growing and ideas forming who they would become. These "little things "mean more to me now than, the winning of the event, receiving of the scholarship, or 100 percent on the exam--although I love those too.
Looking back on experiences in my life it is the small moments, acts of kindness, and tender experiences that have changed me piece by piece and help me become a better me. As I really think about it, when someone I love leaves this life for the next, it is the "little things" that I miss most. The laughter, the advice, and the memories of different experiences with them.
I want to remember, like Shannon spoke about in her post, to be present for the little things, because they are the things that matter in the end.
Shannon gave me permission to link you to her post on her blog The Red Headed Hostess.
Thank you Shannon for inspiring me!
http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/home-and-garden/my-life/grateful/
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