March Madness, Part Three

I return to what I believe is good for me. Blogging, who would have thought it? Much has happened the last two weeks. My son's basketball team went the furthest in the state tournament in school history. I was quite happy for Patrick and his team-mates. They deserved what they accomplished. Seven seniors, four of which have played together for at least six years, worked as a TEAM and defended well. The Hilltoppers ended up in the Sweet Sixteen! Everytime I say that I smile. The kids should raise their heads high and understand they were one of the best teams in the state for 2006-7 season.
Within twelve hours after the last game, my daughter Lauren and I caught a flight to Florida to be with my terminally ill mother. It was a great visit. Mom ralleyed and we spent many good hours together. Unfortunately, her cancer is aggressively taking over her throat and the end will not be pretty. She's coughing a great deal and I'm sure a traecheomtry(sp) will be necessary. Her pain is manageable, but she's is getting more and more fatigued from her battle. My dad is slowly breaking down as well. His emotional pain and daily stress is causing small 'mini-strokes' that scare the hell out of me. It's like living in California and waiting for the 'Big One.' On the positive side, Dad and I spent over five hours talking about the future. My goal is to respect his wishes and manage his legacy to the best of my ability. March Madness, you can say that again. My life will change significantly when my folks depart. I hope I am up to the challenge.
With Faith, Friends, and Family I will endure to the best of my ability. Running and blogging will help as well. Speaking of running, I'm getting back at it. My weight is down about six from my 2007 peak and I'm signed up for the 30th running of the Chicago Marathon. I'm psyched to train hard and be ready to finish stronger than Whistlestop and Nashville. Time to close. Out.
Ricky

March Madness, Part Two

It's Friday, another week almost finished. But, what a week! In my almost fifty-nine years I have never been so emotionally wired. No, that's wrong. I felt like this four years ago when my wife said she's leaving. But, other than that, it's a real roller coaster ride. Life, enjoy it while you can. Why am I so wired? It's simple, my life is being torn apart between the sorrow of my mother's rapidly declining health(my dad called and said 'why aren't you down here?') and the joy of my son's basketball success. Too bad I can't just schedule these things better.
Yes, Glenbard West is two more victories closer to a trip downstate for the IHSA ClassAA Basketball Championship. Unbelievably determined, Patrick and his teammates are playing at a level that I knew existed. If they beat East Aurora tonight, they will be in the Sweet Sixteen. Only a real basketball addict can appreciate just what that means. Sometime I'll double back and explain why the tournament success means so much to me. Right now, I'll just enjoy the ride!

It's March, Time for March Madness

Hello, World, I'm back at it again. Blogging, that is. March, my favorite month. Blizzards and Spring. Health, Sickness, and, hopefully, not Death. March Madness...basketball tournament time! It's a good month. March On, if you will. Well, time for a little update. My son's basketball team plays for the local Regional championship tonight. I hope he wins, he deserves it. He's a good kid, just lacks some self-confidence and a free-throw stroke. But it's there, he just has to dig deeper to find it, the confidence that is. His team is dear to my heart as 4 of the starting 5 are kids who started playing together in 6th grade. Where did the time go? Life, it's like a sandy beach, always changing with each day. I want the best for my son and I will do my best to provide it. And, my daughter too, she's maturing right before my eyes. I'm so worried she will rush into a relationship commitment she might regret. But, all I can do is trust. In her, in her brother, and in God. He will Provide. Direction and Guidance, just ask, it will be there.
March, a tough month for a runner. I'm committed to a 13.2 mile race on the 18th and am no where near ready. The last six weeks have been winter's best shot at Glen Ellyn and my miles have suffered. Have I lost my taste for marathoning? Maybe, but not for running.
Big news today. My step-dad called and said please come down and spend a few days with me.
I'm worried because he must be worried. About my mother, about his health, about the future and what little is left of it. Growing old, man it's a tough thing to do. No manual, no insight, nothing to lean on. Just experience and trust. It works, but it's a hard thing to do.
March Madness..another chapter. I am now a Vitamix kind-of-guy! Never thought I would take to cutting up fruits and vegetables for the sake of blending. But my commitment to eating better is the driving force and my Vitamix 3600 the tool. I made two smoothies yesterday and today and were they good...Summer Citrus Cocktail and Raspberry Zinger...wow! While doubtful, maybe cooking is in my future. Well, so much for some for health therapy. Blogging, everybody should do it sometime. March on.