I realized today that I have never really taken the time to appreciate all the sights and smells of spring. I took two walks today...one over to the lake and a second on the trail that led thru the woods. In the morning the lake was so peaceful...the canadian geese were flying in and out of the water while the ducks just swam around in the calm water. I was able to sit on a bench and just relax and take it all in. During my walks I started to notice all the colors...the sky was a beautiful turquoise color with puffy white clouds popping up here and there. The fresh cut was bright green and you could smell that "fresh cut grass smell". Everyone has been putting fresh mulch out and that kind of smells like cow manure (ok, that's not the best smell)! So many different trees are blooming and many of them have fragrant pink, white or red buds. As I was walking thru the neighborhood a breeze started to blow and when I looked down the street it almost looked like it was snowing because tiny white blooms were blowing off the trees that line the streets and filling the air. I stopped right there and just took it all in. As I turned the corner a colorful bluebird flew right beside me and then a vibrant red cardinal flew by on the other side of the street. A few moments later I heard a woodpecker off in the distance. Even the brilliant yellow dandelions looked pretty today. At one point during my walk a big fat bumble bee joined me and even it looked beautiful with it's black and gold stripes. As I returned home I thought to myself that I hope every spring I will take the time to really appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us every day...it's a gift we too often take for granted.
As I take my walks I feel like I am healing and I am peaceful. Since I was diagnosed in September I have felt like I was running a race and now I have a little time to just breath and focus on healing...I am so thankful for each day that I feel just a little bit stronger.
I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy spring!
6 comments:
Jan-
How ironic, downtown Columbus today, walking across the state house lawn I got a beautiful whiff of flowers! I thought it was the best smell I had smelled in a long time!
I beg to differ about the smell of manure not being "good"! It brings back memories of Risden Rd and the Wills and the Risdons getting their fields ready. We always say "good ole country air" when we smell it!
Kick the can at Perkins, Carnivals at the Deels and the Prestons! Hide and Seek across the neighborhood! Ahhh the good ole days! Sure make you appreciate the days we have now too!
Glad you are well enough to get out and enjoy the sights, the sounds and the smells!
Take Care!
Heather Hire
Yes, I too am glad Spring is here. It's a beautiful time of year and I'm glad you are feeling strong enough to get out and enjoy it.
Relay for Life is tomorrow and this is my first time participating. I'm looking forward to the event and I'm proud to have raised over $300 for the American Cancer Society. I wanted to share something from the Relay Program that touched me...
"There were, undoubtedly, many days when you, as a cancer patient, or you, as a caregiver, friend or family member, didn’t have a song in your heart, but you sang anyway. You sang a song of faith, of courage, of hope, of love, of trust. The definition of celebrate is to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities. We are here today, at this Relay for Life, to celebrate you! We are here today to celebrate your life, whether you are just beginning your journey with cancer, or have already fought and won. We are here to find the song in our hearts, today and every day."
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! You truly inspire me! Love ya!
Linda
Jan -
We are home from our trip and so glad to have caught you at home and visited with you. I hope we didn't wear you out. After we left I was sure we crashed your nap time. Another mom and I even drove to Cincy last Friday night (18th) and took our boys to a game for their 10th birthdays. I can't believe I've been in the same area as you twice in a week! Spring is even hitting NY early, and I sure love to see it too. I'm sue your healing time will be so much faster with the awesome beauty outside. And going on spring walks is the best! I agree with Sue that as time goes on, you'll focus less and less on your chances of recurring cancer. Life is full of genetic unknowns - cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, Alzheimer's. . . But you never have been a person to focus on that stuff before. Since you've whooped this cancer in the a#@, I think you'll be back to being a positive, happy girl, always enjoying the present!
Way to go Linda! Good for you on raising $300. And Heather, man did you bring back some good memories for me as well. I think Kick the Can at Perkins was my most favorite thing to do! Spring here in Vermilion is even pretty. Jan you are right though, many of us do not take the time to enjoy. My daily walks that I started almost 2 years ago (can you believe it) got me back in touch with the simple things that we all need to pay attention to in our lives also.
Have a great week.
Love you, Kay
I'm with Heather! I was walking back to work last week and passed some freshly manicured gardens complete with mulch a la manure. I took a deep breath and it smelled so earthy and wonderful I had this big goofy grin on my face. My two friends, big-city girls both of them, looked at me like I had two heads. I guess I thought everyone liked that smell!?! But then everyone didn't grow up across the tracks from Mauer's farm.
Glad you're getting out and about!
Take care,
Libby
Hi Jan,
What a beautiful post. It's funny how we all tend to take for granted the beauty that is right in front of us each and every day. I'm glad you were able to get out and take it all in.
Sounds like you are doing well and at peace at where you are in this journey. Things are only going to get better for you.
I miss you so much. We have to try to get together soon...ok.
Take care and we'll catch up soon.
All my love,
Sheryl
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