Angels Run

Chapter 31: sneak peek

Good morning,

For the next three Wednesdays, I will share pieces from Chapter 31 in my upcoming memoir— A REAL BALLBUSTER: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together.

Thank you for reading along.

Take good care,

Julie

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April 2022: The Good Samaritan Run 5K walk/run: This year our team name is Run to Write. Come join us in person or virtually.

First 5K Run

The start has begun. 

Stride for stride

her arms and

legs come alive

Weaving through the crowd

She smiles—

Mom I got up the hill 

how much longer now?  

Silly conversations

to sidetrack tired  

legs and pain. 

Reassuring her— 

walking is okay.   

Counting cones to keep 

her moving—

One, two, three...

The cheers roaring 

A downhill soaring

The finish is in sight— 

Kick it in with all

your might. 

A gift today for this mother runner—

A daughter to run alongside 

My heart is full of pride. 

Brindsley, Delaney, and I registered for The 5K Good Samaritan Run. We organized a team called Healthy, Happy, and Strong. We recruited friends and family to join us. I was grateful Jeff felt good enough to come and cheer us on. He had just finished his third round of chemotherapy treatment. I had no idea what each day would bring, or how he would feel, so for him to come was a blessing. 

He bundled up in a hat, jacket, gloves, and a smile. He was a trooper. We parked the car close to the event in case he needed to sit in the car. My mom met us there. She decided to hang with Jeff as the kids and I ran. 

I was grateful to see some friends I hadn’t seen in a while. One family in particular was there and I hadn’t shared with them what we were going through. I made a mental note to call them later.  

Delaney and I planned to run the 5K together. My friends Felicia and Jeanne also joined us. This was Delaney's first 5K, so it was enjoyable for all of us to run as a group. Brindsley lined up at the start with some of his friends and two of his teachers. I was happy to see Brindsley surrounded by his buddies and teachers, knowing he felt supported. I was filled with joy seeing that he had this network of support participating with him.

The race director shouted, “Go!” Brindsley took off. We ran at Delaney’s pace encouraging her every step. When she wanted to pick up the pace, we did too.  When she wanted to walk, we did so with enthusiasm. 

It made me think of Jeff as he was going through chemotherapy treatment. He was surrounded by his family, healthcare team, church family, co-workers, and friends— we were his pacers. Keep placing one foot in front of the other— step by step we will be right here. 

To be continued…