I have a friend who has run several marathons. He has shared with me his training regimen. It’s impressive. The dedication, the preparation and the discipline it takes to successfully compete in and complete one is phenomenal.
I, on the other hand, have not participated in the Boston Marathon, the Peachtree Road Race, or any other marathon for that matter. The truth is, I don’t foresee signing myself up for one anytime soon!
But the reality of life is that we are all in a marathon.
About nine months ago, Cindy and I became grandparents for the first time. It was so exciting to anticipate our grandson’s arrival and then to meet and hold him for the first time was the best thing ever!
Nowadays we get to see him about once a week. The changes that are taking place are truly amazing. Every time we see him he seems to have changed so much from the last time. He’s growing and developing at such a rapid pace.
When we were raising our four children, we saw the changes in each one, but because we were with them all the time, their development didn’t seem as drastic as it does with our new grandson.
Reflecting on that thought, I discovered that we have actually been in a marathon for the past 32 plus years. We don’t know where the finish line is, but we know there is one up ahead somewhere.
The thing about a marathon is that there are throngs of people at the start cheering you on and wishing you the best. Then there are the large crowds that gather at the finish line hoping to encourage you to finish strong.
The reality is that you are almost all alone in the middle. No crowds of encouraging fans, far less runners—It’s just you, your thoughts and your aching body.
As the parents of a child with Down Sydrome, we had so many people gather around us in the beginning—Congratulating us, encouraging us and praying for us.
Then the numbers slowly began to fade away and we found ourselves in our home—Just the two of us and Josh.
To be continued …
