Yesterday’s post I wrote 19 months ago, but never published.

Yesterday was a school holiday, but Eric and I had to work. So we decided to wake the kids up early and do some cross country training to help prepare Nate for his first race tomorrow. Nathan, as expected, ran circles around us and complained we were all too slow. Elea swore her legs were giving out, and she couldn’t take another step. Eric was striding along to his music and my mind went back in time, to my parents.

My mom and dad both enjoyed running, well, actually my mom did and I think my dad just went along with it. My siblings and I were paid for laps that we completed on weekdays when my parents would take the entire family running. My parents emphasized health and physical fitness. I was in it for the money, and thought running was hard. I always ended up with a side stitch, couldn’t keep up with my brother, who never left me behind, and never felt fit enough even though I was pretty active. But I was missing the point. As much as my parents wanted us to be healthy, my mom enjoyed walking and running with us. We would talk about everything and anything while going around in circles.

This morning, as I felt the morning’s chill, heard Elea’s complaining and Nathan’s laughter as he left us behind, I could hear mom’s laughter. I had to try very, very, very hard to keep up with Nathan, my face froze as I sped up, and in this moment, when all was quiet, I could almost touch mother’s love as it enveloped us. For all the moments of sadness, there are so many that will fill you with joy, and others that will be a combination of both. In these moments, embrace the feels, let the earth’s saltiness run down your cheeks, the smile take over your entire face and feel the love that transcends space.

XO