« Normal sized-but not in runner world | Main | Group Dynamics »
October 22, 2005
Not a lot about running
Things are okay. I am pretty exhausted emotionally. There were tears. There was plenty of laughter. I met people I share DNA with that I have never crossed paths with before. My father gave an amazing eulogy/reflection which is when the tears really started to fall for a lot of people. I always forget how talented my family members are. I think of my Dad as the guy who gets bagels on Saturday mornings, grounded me in HS (I deserved it), and reads a lot. But he is a great writer and a great public speaker and as soon as I found out he was speaking I knew it would be wonderful. He does it all the time, but I have never actually seen him speak in front of other people before. In regards to the eulogy and the pictures I saw of my grandpa this weekend, it surprised me how much of a life my grandfather had before I came on the scene. I had managed to forget he had a career, had hobbies (home improvement), and had a long long life with my grandmother and their children. At the lunch I sat at the kids’ table with the other grandkids (aged 25-11). That was really enjoyable; they’re pretty amazing. There are 8 girls and 2 guys. I really enjoyed seeing my immediate family even though it is very hard seeing my mother so upset and there is just something very wrong with watching my 14 year-old brother be a pall-bearer. (My extended family is short on guys and we provided 3/6). B/c I’m the oldest it was the first brush with death for all of the grandkids and it was intense. I realized on the plane after I put my laptop away right before descent (finals are this week) that I haven’t had a chance to think about any of it.
I got off the plane and came home. Had a snack. Cleaned for 30 minutes. Went running for 4.88 miles (47 degrees, rainy, hilly, 42:22, 8:40 min/mil). I am leaving in an hour to pick up my college roommate and her boyfriend from the airport. They are staying with me for six days. I haven’t seen her in 2 years. I am really looking forward to their arrival. The day after she leaves I head to NY via greyhound to see other friends. No time to think right now which is why I wanted to get some thoughts down. I have a very bad memory sometimes and these are all things that deserve lots of thought. At least I won’t be bored or lonely for a while. Now to the airport. YEAH!!!!!
Posted by Audrey at October 22, 2005 05:03 PM
Comments
I'm glad to hear you're okay. I'm also glad you had some time to reflect and were able to get your thoughts down. I hope you have a great time with your visitors.
Posted by: Caitlin at October 22, 2005 06:34 PM
It sounds like the funeral made you think about your grandfather's life, and reflect about the nature of life and death. Which is what it's supposed to do. It also sounds like your family came together nicely, and the services were meaningful. (Which is not the case for all families!)
(BTW, since I read your last two posts together, the subjects I were faced with were death and chest size. Although I chose to comment on death, I think I prefer chests. But anyway...)
Posted by: Danny at October 22, 2005 07:46 PM
So sorry about your grandpa, Audrey. Seems like there's alot of them lately. I hope the next few days with friends is enjoyable, sounds like a little bit of close company will help.
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at October 22, 2005 07:54 PM
It sounds like you have a great family. I had to laugh at the "how much of a life he had before I came on the scene" part :-) I think that especially as kids, we sort of imagine that the world centers around us. Someday your own grandkids will be saying the same thing. You'll have to use your blog as evidence.
Take care of yourself and good luck getting through everything you have coming up.
Posted by: Alison at October 23, 2005 05:28 AM