Sunday, June 18, 2023Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2007, on Father's Day to be specific. Mattie was five years old, and that day we went for a Duck Tours ride in Washington, DC. The beauty of this tour is it covers both land and water. I thought Mattie would find the vehicle fascinating as how many terrain vehicles can also serve as a boat? The tour company gave us whistles in the shape of a duck's bill and while on the ride, it was a big adventure for all of us.
Quote of the day: Is it possible to have a “Happy” Father’s Day after a loss of a child? Yes, but for very different reasons than most people think. The happiness comes into play when you reflect on the time you spent with your child, although you wished you had more time. You’re happy because it was an honor to be their dad. The love you feel inside for that child makes you smile and hurt at the same time. The happiness for these fathers does not come from a gift that was wrapped up real nice and given to them on this day. The happiness comes from the gift of being their dad. If you know a dad that has experienced the death of a child, don’t be afraid to reach out to him on this day or any day for that matter. As difficult of a day it is, he would love to hear from you. Someone acknowledging that he is a dad, a dad that has experienced the death of a child and is just trying to live a life to make his child proud. ~ Kelly Farley
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Since January, Peter has been committed to getting healthier, losing weight, and being more active. To date he has lost 26 pounds and began running each day for the last month.
Given all I am balancing at home, I unfortunately could not go to the event. But I am glad Peter took photos! Ironically the race color this year was ORANGE! Seems to me that this was a direct sign from Mattie!
Peter ran the 5K, or 3 miles, in 25 minutes. For someone who is not a runner, this seems rather impressive to me.
Peter --- at the finish line! I have to say that in all the years we have been married, this is a first for me. Typically we have experienced events, activities, and issues together. Since my parents have moved in, our lives have completely changed. My days and evenings are fully occupied by my parents. There is no time for myself and certainly no time for Peter and me as a couple. Therefore, Peter has worked on finding outlets that are positive and life affirming. As there is not much happiness and joy in our home. When Peter came home this morning, I had him go in our backyard so I could snap some photos. This was Peter's first 5K, it is monumental that he has lost so much weight, feels better about himself, and can easily run 3 miles without a problem. Naturally, it being Father's Day, makes it a problematic day for Peter and therefore for me. I have not forgotten our loss, how childhood cancer has affected our lives, and perhaps the loss of Mattie and seeing the significant decline in my parents, compounds the sadness, depression, and existential trauma. As my lifetime friend Karen said today.... Sunny looks so proud of Peter's accomplishment. A close up of the t-shirt, medal, and racing bib.
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