I ran my 70th half marathon today on my 70th birthday weekend in Van Nuys/Los Angeles, CA. Holly and I came to Southern California to celebrate my birthday with my extend Lebanese family in Encino. It was also my dear sweet Aunt Louise’s birthday (She turned 90) and my second cousin, Lisa’s, 40th birthday. We congregated at the Lakeside Country Club for a great meal and a wonderful time of family fellowship!
I ran this race in honor of my dear Aunt Louise on her 90th birthday! I love my Aunt and my Uncle Joe so very deeply. Losing my Mom and Dad much to early in my life had left an emptiness in my heart. That emptiness, was and has been filled, over the years, by my Aunt Louise and my Uncle Joe. At every mile marker, a special prayer went up for my adopted Mom and Dad.
Wow! I am seventy years old. I do not feel like it (or what I imagined it would be like when I was younger..... I cannot rid myself of imprinted images of Tim Conway and the oldest man in the world) I really don’t think I look or act 70 either. My cousins and my wife think I still act like I am 12 years old. Well, I am not going to live by the calendar. Seventy half marathons proves it. Being a gym rat proves it. Being an elementary/middle school principal most of my career, proves it. I will not be hemmed in by chronological age, as that may lock me out of valuable opportunities and blessings.
I have chosen to define my “later” life as a time of growth instead of inevitable decline. Plus, Holly has requested that I live until I am, at least, 100. I plan on fulfilling that charge and loving and serving her to the end! I am BLESSED!
Happy birthday, Aunt Louise and thank you for your love and encouragement over the years!
Now on to 75 half marathons (and maybe 100+ by my 100th birthday? What do ya think?
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| Pasta 10K the weekend before this race. First Place came with Chef's Hat and Apron. |
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