Anna's stone was placed at the cemetery last week. We had been anticipating its arrival for some time. There wouldn't be any real surprises as to what it would look like, because we had worked and reworked a design we would be "happy" with. But the knowing it was coming and the knowing what it would look like doesn't mean that I was prepared for its arrival. It is a mixture of feelings - what isn't? - as I am glad that there is now a permanent marker for where Anna's body rests. And yet I hate that there needs to be a permanent marker for where Anna's body rests.
This is the front:
We know the saying, "It's not as though it's carved in stone," meaning that something can always be changed. Maybe that's what is difficult about the arrival of this monument. Anna's death is now carved in stone. It's real.
But we did want to be sure that the carved-in-stone record of her death also conveyed the truth that she has life eternal in the arms of Jesus. She loved to sing the song "I am Jesus' Little Lamb," so it seemed a fitting verse.
We smile through our tears remembering her singing that she was Jesus' "Wittle Wamb."
I also want to share another remembrance for Anna. My brother, Chris, has used his wonderful talent to once again put together a video / slide show of Anna's life. A portion of that video is on Youtube for anyone who would like to view it. It is a reminder of God's grace and goodness even during difficult times, and a reminder that though the outcome wasn't exactly what we prayed for, God's promises still hold true. Here is the video.
And, on a COMPLETELY different topic, I guess I should give a report of last weekend's half marathon! Since it was my first (and likely only) half marathon, I wasn't sure what to expect, and I wasn't sure what goals to set. My main goal was to finish. If I could finish without walking at all, I'd be very pleased. And then any time under 2:30 would be fine by me!
The day or two before the race, I was suddenly feeling very stressed and unprepared. Though I had never given a whole lot of extra thought to nutrition while I was training, suddenly I panicked because I felt like I needed to eat the "right" foods in preparation for the race. I hadn't ever run more than 10 miles, how was I going to do 13? The night before, I felt incapable of deciding what to wear -- shorts or pants? Long sleeves or short?
Ready or not, the day of the race arrived, and we were off! I decided to try to follow the 2:15 pacer, figuring I would fall back after a while. But before too long I felt like I wanted to go faster than the pacer, and despite being warned NOT TO PASS YOUR PACER, I passed the pacer. I was advised that it would be very disappointing to pass your pacer only to have them pass you a little later on, so once I passed I was determined to stay ahead of the pacer. (And by determined, I mean really really hoping, because if the pacer caught me and went on by I was pretty sure there wouldn't be much I'd be able to do about it!)
A couple of hills provided some extra challenge, but it was a good course to run on a beautiful fall day. I was pleased to be feeling good at mile 6. Even miles 7,8 and 9 were going well. At mile 10 I (thankfully) felt like I had it in me to keep going. I told myself I "only" had a 5K left to run, and a 5K is a piece of cake! Of course, a 5K after a ten mile run makes for a bit more of a challenge. My legs were starting to feel it, and a couple of (very) mild upward elevation changes in the last couple of miles were tough. But adreneline kicked in as I came down the final stretch and I was able to add a little more speed before crossing the finish line.
I finished the race! Goal met!!
I didn't walk!!!! Goal met!!
Final time: 2:14:07 Goal surpassed!!!!
It is a great feeling to have accomplished this. It is proof that with God all things are possible, and I know I couldn't have done it without Him! And I am thankful for my supportive family members who came to cheer me on, including my guys!
I have said that this would be my only race of that distance. I think I would like to keep running enough to participate in 10Ks, but I don't know that I would want to devote the time again to training for a long race. But, almost a week later, as the soreness is wearing off, the thought is already entering my mind that I could maybe do that again...... maybe....... someday...... maybe.......
Like other "big" events, it seems like a bigger deal before you do it. But, hey, if I could run a half-marathon it can't be that dififcult! If I can do it, anyone can! But I don't blame anyone for not wanting to!
Now onto my next big goal......
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