With an upcoming trip to Las Vegas in store for me, the familiar sound of the caller on a craps table resonated throughout my mind as I completed my run tonight. Eight, eight, easy eight…as I cruised through the first five miles of my run tonight, and coasted down the three-mile home stretch. All in all it was an easy eight, owed to the fact that while my training regimen has me fully prepared to accomplish a once far-fetched goal with relative ease nowadays, my mind was also packed with enough thoughts that have could have carried me through a marathon this evening. This isn’t to say that I was glad to be so deep in thought - in fact, quite the opposite is what I would have hoped for - but such is life. The truth of the matter is that I did have a lot on my mind, and before I ever once thought about how far I’d gone, I was almost done with my route. Like I said, I’d rather run free from any worry and escape to a place devoid of thought, but it is remarkable how easy it is to run when I’m thinking so deeply about something else.
Running
Today it occurred to me that my words of yesterday made me sound like much more of an alarmist than I ever intended to be. This isn’t to minimize the personal trials that we’re dealing with, but considering where we’ve been since November, 2008, it takes a lot to keep me down for long. Luckily for me I have a legion of family and friends in my corner, that are quick to call, email or text message me at the slightest hint of something amiss. Like I’ve always said, for that reason alone I’m among the luckiest people on God’s green Earth. Coupled with a handful of other factors, despite the occasional setback, I find it hard to ever complain. Thanks to all who reached out to us today. The Serenos are doing fine. We’re strong, resolute and faithful, and propped up by all of you as we sit on top of the world. Thank you.
Other
Sometimes life gets in the way of even the most well-intentioned plans. Today’s trip to Duke was called off at quite literally the last minute, as more pressing personal matters jumped to the forefront of my priorities. While I still treat these MRIs with all of the seriousness that they call for, I am quite blessed to be in a situation where delaying a MRI by a week is an option. I am now scheduled to travel to Duke next Tuesday, with ample time to take care of family needs in the meantime. Until then, I urge you…stay ever-mindful of all that is good in your life, never take a single day for granted, respect life, cherish miracles, love freely, value relationships, and please, please keep your prayers coming.
GBM
Lost in the excitement of last week’s NBA Draft, and the honor of officially becoming The Godfather at Mackenzie’s baptism yesterday, I almost forgot about the significance of tomorrow. Most significantly, my parents will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, providing for all of us young couples and couples-to-be a sterling example of love everlasting. As for me, however, with my Durham duo (Jessie and Chrissy) aboard, we’ll make another drive to Duke for a 7:00 pm MRI on Monday night. It’s been eight weeks since my last visit, and it will be three months until my next one, as I’m now just two weeks shy of being one full year off-treatment. What a truly special year it has been, with Earth’s best people in my ever-growing corner. Thanks and love go to all.
GBM
Today I had the distinct pleasure of attending a baptism in a role unlike any other baptism I’ve ever attended. Today I was The Godfather. I conducted a reading from The Book of Kings, I renounced Satan on Mackenzie’s behalf, I shouted ‘we will’ in acceptance of my responsibilities in this special role I’ll play in Mackenzie’s life, and I beamed with pride, first at the beautiful Godmother beside me, but then at the real star of the show, Mackenzie. Never before have I seen such a well-behaved baby at her baptism, who seemed to play to her adoring crowd that couldn’t quite believe the poise of this baby during the beautiful hour long ceremony. What a cutie. What a star. Congrats to Mackenzie, Brad and Ang.
Other
I am in Massachusetts for my goddaughter’s baptism, and after an exhilarating but exhausting week of work, bed is all I can think about. Tomorrow I should return to form.
Other
…but another great night as the rebuilding Wizards made great strides. As I’m still at work (exhausted), this short blurb of an entry is all I can muster tonight. Thank you for your continued support.
Other
It’s 95 degrees outside (at 9:00 pm, by the way), and it’s drier in our swimming pool than it is in the outdoor air, so an outdoor run tonight (when I’m scheduled for an eight-miler) simply isn’t possible. Instead I’ll put in an hour at the gym, after which I’ll shower briskly and retire to bed, thereby postponing my eight-miler for a few days until the temps cool, the skies empty, and the draft passes. Like I said yesterday, please bear with me.
Running
There are days when I have some free moments to think, to read, to analyze, to question, to ponder, to breathe. Then there are days like yesterday, today, tomorrow, and certainly Thursday and Friday, when I find myself working seemingly from the minute I arise until the late hour when I fall asleep. During the week of the NBA Draft, an enjoyable and exciting week to be sure, I find myself far too consumed throughout the day to find the time to appropriately plot what can be discussed herein at night. Thus, as I sit here tonight, trying to think of what’s on my mind, all that’s really on my mind is what I have to do tomorrow. Thanks for bearing with me this week.
Other