Music, the Food of Love

Today is the day of chemo #4 and I am awake early and unable to go back to bed (actually posting a week late).  Partially because of a little anxiety, partially because I am going to squeeze in one more early morning workout before being home bound and bedridden the next few days and partially because I can't stop thinking about this post.

Last week I had a very sweet opportunity.  A dear friend of mine, Mary Tavano passed away at the amazing age of 98 years.  Mary was someone that lived a few houses down the street from me in Fallbrook from the time I was in 5th - 12th grade.  She would babysit us when my parents would go on their many vacations and I saw her every Sunday at church.  Mary and I had a quiet little joke that only short people like her and I would understand.  I think she really loved me because for a little while there Mary was taller than ME at about 4'11' until I passed her up somewhere in high school by about 2 inches.  It was a pretty big deal when I grew taller than Mary as there weren't any other adults I can think of (maybe Sonia Hayden) that I was taller than.  I was very excited!  Every Sunday, or any time I saw Mary, she always gave me such a warm "hello" and kiss on the cheek.  When I started having kids of my own my mom and I would find opportunities to go and visit with her.  She never let us leave empty handed and always made sure she had a treat for my kids.  My kids loved Grandma Mary and so did I.

Her son Bob and his wife, Karen took care of Mary for the last 20 years mostly in their own home, until the last several years when her health began to decline.  Bob had let Jared know a few days before her passing that her sweet little body was shutting down and she wouldn't make it but a few more days.  He let him know the tentative date for her "Celebration of Life" service and said Grandma Mary had written out her program the year prior and had my name listed as a musical selection.  I felt honored to accept the invitation.  It was such a beautiful service and I felt so grateful to be able to take a part in celebrating sweet Mary's life in such a personal way.

February 7, 2015 Mermaid Run, San Diego
On another note, this is old news but I still hadn't posted a picture yet on my blog.  Back in October, prior to my B.C. diagnosis, I signed up for a half-marathon.  In January I realized the half was not going to happen, and I was okay with that.  Disappointed, but at peace.  I had a decision to either drop out altogether or change to a 5K, which I did.  Here we are after the race.  It was a beautiful day in so many wonderful ways, surrounded by amazing friends (and lots of garbage as you can see :) and my boys!  A day I will never forget.

I love this quote:

"OPTIMISM: Someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's more like a cha-cha!  

Happy dancing!