Parent Care

All of us Dering kids were together over the weekend. Robin and I live in New York state. Michelle in Florida and Gussie in California. I have pretty much been the 'point person', 'sibling on the front line' or whatever we want to call it, regarding the care of my mom and dad. I am able to be in Florida for about half the year. I have put a whole lot of pressure on myself to make sure the parents are okay when I can not be there.

I have pretty much been failing in that task. My dad has been angry, withdrawn and sometimes just plain mean since I came back to New York in April. I have not known what to do or what to ask for from my siblings.

Then, along came Victoria! She is my brother's wife, my sister-in-law. She loves my mom and dad like no one would ever expect someone to love in-laws. She came up with a plan to have all visits on the calendar. She just took over and gave me so much support and freedom that I was sure I wasn't carrying it all on my shoulders.

I may have to come up with a phrase different than The Dering Six.

John's friend Jimmy

My sister Michelle is married to John.

Their son got married yesterday.

The rehearsal dinner was Friday night.

John has a lifelong friend, Jimmy.

I have always enjoyed Jimmy and have not spent much time with him over the years. He is funny and quick witted and kind.

At the rehearsal dinner, Jimmy asked me "What's new? What are you up to?"

I shared about training for the marathon.

I had no thought of asking him for a donation.

Jimmy asked if he could make a difference and donate to the fund.

Jimmy will always be in my heart.

I Got My Bib!!!!

I heard from Run2Remember and I have been accepted to the team! I have a number!!!!

I am thrilled beyond thrilled.

Woo Hoo!

Kyle gets married today.

My mom seems to no longer want to go home. Today..... we shall see.

I am loving being with my family.

The Day Before The Wedding

Kyle marries Melissa tomorrow. As Joe Biden would say, "This is a big F'in deal."

The Dering Six will be together. This will be the first time since we took that picture that in on the top of this blog. Maybe I'll get a good one to update my photo.

We are all in this marathon thing together - we are just using my legs.

The Dering Six

We will all be in one place this weekend. Michelle's oldest son, Kyle, gets married this weekend. We will all be converging in Albany. My parents are already in Albany and my mom wants to go home. This must be rough for her - so much change and input and out of her familiar surroundings.

I am thinking this will be the last time we are all together before a health crisis or death has us converge. I am wanting to embrace and enjoy this time. I love my mom, I miss the mom I grew up with. Funny thing, we were so at odds when I was growing up and yet, I miss the her she was then. I do not know this woman who wants to go home.

Rambling on and on and will probably edit this once I get my head on straight.

Maybe not, as I might want to revisit my journey sometime.

This is all part of the journey.

My Achilles

I am surrendering to my tendonitis. I am not quitting my training, I am not giving up, I am taking time off and getting help. This week is scheduled to be 45 minutes, walking at 13-16 minute miles. I am going to do my elliptical. I will continue my stretches.

I have an appointment with my podiatrist to get new running orthotics, with a lift in the heel. The first appointment I could get was for June 11. I have also ordered an achilles tendon strap to try.

I am so pleased that I started this training early enough to be able to get correction in and still have the 16 weeks left to really train.

Another Dog - Another Solution

I am getting me so Runners Mace.

This week, the training schedule added 15 minutes to my run. Rather than turn around at the end of Mountain Road and run 7 1/2 minutes up and back, I decided to see how far up Stissing Road I could get in that time. I ran for about 3 minutes and heard that noise that now sends a shiver up my spine. A dog barking and growling.

He was more than 100 yards away in a field and was running towards me. I stopped running, turned around and began walking. I had hoped he would not see me as a threat and would stay in his field. No such luck. He kept coming and coming. He did stop at the fence line and I hoped that was that.

Nope.

As I walked further back down Stissing Road, he found me again. I could hear him running behind me, but no barking. I was frightened and pulled my hands up to my neck, not wanting to get my hand bit. I just kept up my pace.

The dog ran past me, turned and looked at me. I have to admit that I thought, he just wants to play - but I was too frightened to engage him. He left me alone.

I now need to decide at what point I will use the mace if I have to.