U23D

Looking Back 2007

2007, December. The days are getting shorter and the nights colder, while flannel sheets now grace our beds. Autumn came and went without any effort to get the garden ready for next Spring. Lots of our plans were put off ... not purposefully, but, sometimes, life just happens and we still can find the beauty in the remainder of the day.

"The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty. Let all the earth rejoice, All the earth rejoice.
He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide and trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice."

The year was filled with the usual day-to-day activities and a few unexpected events. Caitlyn completed her freshman year of high school at Chicago Hope Academy – go Eagles! She’s now firmly entrenched in her sophomore year, with classes including chemistry, Spanish II and world history. Caitlyn made the volleyball team again and is working hard being a Student Ambassador. In July, she had an incredible opportunity through school to spend a week working in Ensenada, Mexico by helping to assemble pre-fabricated homes for some very needy families. The project was part of the Arial Home Initiative, in conjunction with Youth With a Mission. (Here’s a link to pictures and info on the build: http://www.arialhome.org/Past%20Builds.htm;
click on the July 26-26, 2007 link).

Alexandra is now a 6th grader and in the junior high youth group. She participated in each and every sport offered during the school year and has just begun practice for the upcoming basketball and cheerleading season at St. Andrew. Her new passion is skateboarding and before it turned cold, she spent a lot of time in the backyard practicing "ollies" and "pop shove it" off the ramp that Darrin built for her. Alex took 2nd place in the storytelling division of the Chicago Area Lutheran Association’s annual forensic competition in November during her performance of "The Three Silly Billies".

In June, we spent a week out in California visiting Darrin’s sister Dawn and her husband, Larry. We spent a day up at Zuma Beach in Malibu. While the girls and I were out in the surf, Darrin relaxed under the partial cover of an umbrella, but he still managed to get a second-degree sun burn on his ankles. We finally made it down to Orange County to visit Knott’s Berry Farm. The girls got a kick when just the three of us took a drive up through the Hollywood Hills, Brentwood, Beverly Hills and down Rodeo Drive. We wrapped up the week with a trek down to Huntington Beach with Dawn & Larry where we staked out a fire pit near the ocean, swam, ate, made smores and relaxed. The sunset was breathtaking and we were able to watch porpoises feed in the water about 150 feet out.

In September, Darrin and Alex fulfilled their dream of owning a dog by brining home a Maltese puppy which we named "Brody". Lottie is slowly warming up to the new addition to the family. Sometimes it feels like our house is a zoo with everyone running up and down, in and out and away and after each other.

I started noticing pain in my left knee late last year, which I thought was just runner’s knee. I was able to run the Shamrock Shuffle 8K with Darrin and Caitlyn in March, but took two long breaks up through July. During my last attempt to run in July, I made it only three steps before I felt a horrible, ripping-type pain shoot down my leg. An MRI confirmed it was a lateral tear of the left medial meniscus. So, on a Friday in late August, I underwent an arthroscopic surgical repair on my knee. My orthopedic surgeon (the best ever), discovered I also had the start of a tear on the anterior meniscus as well. Darrin, Janice and the girls took exceptional care of me at home and I was able to return to work (with crutches) the following Thursday. I only had six weeks to recuperate from the time of my surgery to the day Janice and I were scheduled to leave for Ireland; so, after a few weeks of physical therapy, I was physically ready to make the journey with Janice to the Emerald Isle to celebrate her 40th birthday.

IRELAND. I’m still thinking about the sights, sounds, people, places ... it was magical, it was beautiful, it was exhausting, it was adventurous. We started in Dublin, staying at The Clarence (Bono’s hotel) across from the River Liffey and near the Temple Bar area for two nights. Lots of walking down Grafton Street, a tour of Trinity College, a viewing of the Book of Kells, took in an evening song service at Christchurch Cathedral and a tour of St. Patrick’s. * A three hour train ride took us to Galway on the west coast. We took a tour of The Burren in County Clare (home of megalithic tombs and portal dolmens) and the Cliffs of Moher (breathtakingly beautiful). The King of Belgium just happened to be on an official state visit and stopped by the Cliffs while we were there. Every county that we visited was different (especially dialects). * Cork had a different feel; a bit edgier than Galway, but very urban. We found our way to Blarney Castle and made the trek up to the top to kiss the Blarney Stone. The view of the estate from the top was worth it, especially with all of the trees in their autumn splendor. * Another long bus ride took us back east, down to Waterford, where we did the Waterford Crystal factor tour. You really get to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Janice and I had to make an Amazing Race-type dash to catch a train back up to Dublin for our final two days. * Back in Dublin, we did more shopping, toured the Guinness Brewery and walked around O’Connell Street. We cheered along with visiting Brits while watching the English beat the French in World Cup Rugby during dinner one night. * Ireland is so rich in history. A history that is worth learning about. Our guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol (jail) left me speechless. You can read about the 1916 Easter Rising to get started. This trip made me appreciate refills on coffee, ice, the 16 oz. beverage size, good signage and transit maps that actually show you which direction you’re heading to. * I’ve posted all of my digital pictures on flickr, which you can view at your leisure at: http://flickr.com/photos/9968241@N04/sets/72157603498499246/.

"Age to age He stands and time is in His hands, Beginning and the end, beginning and the end. The Godhead Three in One, Father Spirit Son, the Lion and the Lamb,
the Lion and the Lamb."

And I remember ... the beauty of freshly fallen snow; early morning prayers with a friend; the joy of freshly brewed coffee at 5:30 a.m.; walking through St. Stephen’s Green; Evening Song in Christ Church Cathedral; Dublin mornings; parents who pray; yearning to run when I couldn’t; a better year of growing hydrangeas; the Danes vs. the Brits at Oliver St. John Gogarty and the "With or Without You" sing-a-long; Looptopia; catching the girls’ sporting events; the climb to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone; hearing Stewart Copeland’s familiar drumming as The Police finally took the stage at Wrigley Field; watching a sea lion in the water off Zuma Beach in Malibu; body surfing with Alexandra in the Pacific; running with Caitlyn during her first race; the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean below; watching Alexandra chase Brody around the backyard; the noise from the MRI; celebrating the first of the "40th" birthdays of friends; hugs from the 4's & 5's on Sundays; expanding my garden in the patio; the porpoises of Huntington Beach; cicadas; lunchtime spent in the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park; getting the news that Chicago has a chance to host the 2016 Olympics; fish & chips at McDonough’s in Galway; the excitement and letdown of the Chicago Bears; catching up with old friends during our mini 20th high school reunion get together; walking through the damp and dark cells in Kilmainhim Goel; being wheeled into a cold room and feeling the burn of the anesthesia in the IV; hearing a voice that’s still whispering; the stillness of the Burren; the ability to fill my lungs with air to breathe and muscles that continue to propel this still 30-something body; and just how good God is.
"Name above all names, Worthy of our praise, My heart will sing How great is our God."

2008. May the new year bring you much love and peace. I pray that your celebration of the Savior’s birth will remind you of all that He has done for you in giving His life as a ransom for all "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Thank you for being a part of our lives.

"How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God."
"How Great is our God " by Chris Tomlin

These are Days

PICT0011, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

West coast of Ireland, near The Burren.

I'm Thankful For ...

... so much. My Bo, the girls, my family ... the gift of sight, the pleasure of taste ... gifted doctors and modern medicine ... pets to care for, mouths to feed ... friends that pray, a God that hears ... .

May your Thanksgiving Day celebration be filled with all the people that you hold dear.

"Snail" shot at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, October, 2007

Marathon Weekend

This Sunday will be the final running of "The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon". Bank of America has just completed its take-over of LaSalle Bank; so, next year there will be a name change for this premier event.

There's nothing like standing on the sidelines cheering on all of the runners. We used to stake out a spot near U.S. Cellular Field -- around mile 19 -- and watch the elite runners (including Catherine Ndereba, Khalid Khannouchi and Paul Tergat) go by first. I'd shout out "Jambo!" as the Kenyans and their rabbits flew by.

There is such an incredible feeling of excitement and energy as all of the runners pass by. You get a chill from seeing the Team in Training and World Vision runners who are running to raise money for cancer research or to help African families and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The rest of the field is made up of different men and women from all walks of life ... young and old, first time marathoners and 10-year veterans trying to set a new PR ... middle-aged women with their names written on their t-shirts who smile brightly and pump their hand up in the air when you shout out their name for encouragement... men wearing pink t-shirts declaring that they are running in memory of a loved one ... bodies with less than 20% body fat to Clydesdale runners. They all pound the flat, fast pavement snaking through Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods -- each destined to reach their goal to justify the months of training.

At lunch today, there were lots of people walking back from the marathon expo with their race packets slung across their shoulders. The sun was shining brightly and there was a definite feeling of hype in the October sky.

I wish I could run. I have a few months to go before I'll feel comfortable enough to get back out there. My knee is continuing to heal and I'm grateful that I finally got it taken care of. I'm placing my sights on running in next Spring's LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K ... wait, I mean the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.

So, to Barbara P., Michelle S. and the 40,000 other runners who will line up Sunday morning ... run strong!

Hebrews 12:1 "... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ..."

Two Days

Janice and I will be flying to Ireland to celebrate her 40th birthday in two short days. After physical therapy tonight, there'll be some last minute shopping and then one last day of work. This will be my first trip to Europe ... I'm so excited!

Bits & pieces from the last month:

• began physical therapy three weeks ago and it has helped to strengthen my leg; my surgeon gave me the green light for the trip and asked me to bring him back a picture of my knee on the Blarney Stone;
• inched closer to 40 myself by turning 38 on September 5th; Darrin and the girls gave me an iPod because he was embarrassed to see me with my portable CD player;
• Dawn & Larry left California and moved back home to Chicago;
• the girls are in the midst of volleball season and doing well in school; and
• the garden is winding down; the sedum and pansies are the last bits of color; had lots cucumbers and there are a few tomatoes left on the vine.

I'm determined to be more regular in my posts. Expect lots of pics from the trip.

Introducing the Newest Member of Our Family ...

Brody the Maltese

Alexandra's long wish has come true!

"They say it's your birthday ... "

Today is the beginning of my 38th year of life. I survived the surgery and the awful affects of anesthesia. The knee is getting stronger and the limp is slowly disappearing. I'm so thankful for family and friends, cookie and flower bouquets, my beautiful daughters, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from my garden and answers to prayer. "It is well with my soul."

IT'S GOOD TO BE ALIVE! (Compliments to Mr. Lin Brehemer)

Clinical Indications:

"Pain and swelling since November of 2006 in this 37 year old runner. There is horizontal tears of the posterior third of the medial meniscus extending to the inferior articualr surface. Articular cartilage surfaces are intact without osteochondral defect or bone marrow edema. The lateral meniscus is intact as are the cruciate and collateral ligaments. There is a small knee joint effusion. Alignment of the patellofemoral joint is preserved. The quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament are intact. Impression: medial meniscus tear. Otherwise intact knee."

I met with an orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon earlier this week. He went over the MRI films with me and we talked about how to handle things considering that the Ireland trip is now eight weeks away. He feels that I will be in good shape four weeks post-op; so, I went ahead and scheduled surgery for August 24th. The doctor said I will be able to run again ... it was music to my ears! I'll undergo some physical therapy before the trip to strengthen my quad and I'll be good to go. Now, I have to focus on getting the girls ready for the start of school on August 20th & 23rd. Lots to do, but happy we've got a plan.

It's another hot and humid day in the city. Darrin won't have a day off until next Friday. Caitlyn is up in Michigan at school camp and Alex is spending the day at the beach with Dalia. It's Friday and I'm glad to be alive.

Survey Says ...

Endured an MRI at 6:45 a.m. today in order to find out if I have a torn meniscus or a torn medial collateral ligament. I'm hoping for the MCL diagnosis because physical therapy is the prescribed treatment.

The Last Weekend of July

On Friday, I decided to head out for a lunchtime run. I've taken a running hiatus since the end of May. Monday evening yoga has been the extent of my physical activity as of late, which definitely shows through with the increasing numbers when I get on the scale. Anyhow, I walked over to Millennium Park and started a half-hearted shuffle ... as I hit my third step, I felt a horrible pain shoot from the inside of my left knee down toward my calf. I stopped immediately. This was a much different pain than what I had been experiencing. I walked through the park and over to Columbus & Monroe. It was probably more of a limp. I attempted a show shuffle again, but I stopped after a few two steps. My self-diagnosis earlier in the year was per aersine bursitis, but I'm not quite sure what's going on now. I cried Friday night when I went to bed because I want to run (and my leg ached so much). I'm fearful that I might have tore a tendon, but I'm hoping that my doctor will be able to see me tomorrow so that we can find out what's going on in the leg. I know that God can heal.

Caitlyn is wrapping up the build project with Arial Homes in Ensenada, Mexico today. They'll be driving back up to San Diego later this afternoon. I miss her, too.

Our Summer So Far ...

"somebody spoke and I went into a dream ..."

The Beatles' album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" was released 40 years ago today. WDRV just played the vinyl album from start to finish. It was recorded at Abbey Road on a four-track recorder. The sound is amazing. It drove Brian Wilson further down. The echo-y harmony on "Lovely Rita" is classic pop. A "Day in the Life" is one of my favorites.


Of course, many Beatles' tunes bring back memories. It was Steven Duckinew's Beatles belt buckle in 6th grade that made a real impression on me. He loved the Beatles! Then there's Mom's ultimate story of seeing the Beatles play at Comiskey Park in August, 1965. (You noticed I wrote "seeing" rather than "hearing" because the screams of the teenage girls drowned out the music from their little amps. The tickets were $4.50 each). I am still blamed to this day for losing her ticket stub on one of my attic souvenir searches. Dancing with Imo to "Twist and Shout" at the Jukebox Saturday Night stage at Taste of Chicago. A boy who I shared a class with in college who sang to me "Please Please Me" along with his acoustic guitar. But, nothing tops taking my mom and the girls with me to see Paul McCartney during the "Driving Rain" tour. The look on my mom's face said it all. It was surreal ... from the opening of "Hello Goodbye", to the story behind "Blackbird", "Band on the Run" and all the way through to "The End".
Paul even played the Hofner bass. This was Caitlyn & Alexandra's first concert ... we set the bar high.


"There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all"

In My Life (Lennon, McCartney)

In These Shoes

During yesterday's lunchtime run (which I should have not done since the knee had taken quite a pounding with consecutive day runs), I came across the exhibit "Eyes Wide Open: An Exhibition on the Human Costs of the Iraq War" at the corner of Jackson & Columbus. Over 3,000 combat boots, representing the lives of the U.S. soldiers that have been killed in Iraq, were layed out in neat lines in the park. Each pair included a tag that included the name of a soldier, their age and hometown. Some boots were the actual boots worn by that fallen soldier. Others had copies of pictures, momentos, flowers and news articles from the local paper attached to them. There were state flags and U.S. flags. It was humbling and moving; it left me sad and proud. Some of the men and women were only 18, 19-years old; others were in their late 40's.

After walking through the rows, I made my way back to Jackson and began the final stretch north down Michigan Avenue. The sky was blue and laced with humidity. I lifted a prayer up for the families of all those lost. See, I still have the freedom to run and pray openly without fear because the price for that freedom was paid by the men and women who lost their lives in wars battled throughout the history of our country. I am not worthy to even stand in their shoes.

Pictures and a Paragraph -- Part II

O.F.C.A. Class of 1987: The Unofficial 20-Year Reunion

I had a wonderful time at our Friday evening get-together at Gino's East in Orland Park. I was a bit nervous earlier in the week, but all that passed away as soon as I sat down at the table with my old friends. Just saying "20 years since my high school graduation" is mind blowing. Although many of us are separated by thousands of miles, once we're together, the stories flow colorfully and fondly. It was so good to catch up with one another and hear about what other people in our class are up to these days. My daughters wanted to come with, so they sat on the end and listened tentatively to the tales of old (they love hearing about things we did as kids).

So, Paul, Bryan, Jeff, Zack and Mark ... you each have grown into amazing men who still follow after God's own heart. Thank you for accepting this northside girl in the fall of '86 and making me a part of your class. Words fail to express the appreciation I have for your friendship.

Go Patriots!

Pictures and a Paragraph -- Part I

Alexandra competed in her first C.A.L.L. Track & Field Meet. She won first place in the 5th & 6th grade girls' 400 meter; third place in the 50 meter sprint; third place in the 4 x 100 relay; and fifth place in the softball throw. Our school came in third place overall. It's hard to cheer on your daughter and take pictures at the same time. I was blown away by her 400 meter run.

Conqueror Evil With Good

My heart aches for the parents of those young men and women killed at Virginia Tech on Monday. You cannot imagine the pain and suffering that they are experiencing. The questions that run through their minds ... the "what if" scenarios ... the last conversations shared ... the sweet smell of their children as they were cradled in their arms not so many years ago. I am in awe of the Holocaust-survivor professor who looked Evil once again in its eyes and sacrified his life so that his students could escape. CNN showed video last night of VT students gathering on the lawn where many were in prayer circles lifting up petitions to God. Black, white, Asian, men, women -- all crying out to the Creator of the universe.

"And I believe You’re here now
Standing in our midst.
Here with the power to heal now
And the grace to forgive." ("I believe in Jesus" by: Marc Nelson)

Stir Your Soul ... CHICAGO GOT THE BID!

The official announcement was just made minutes ago by the U.S. Olympic Committee ... Chicago will be the U.S. city put forward for consideration to the International Olympic Commitee for hosting the 2016 Olympics. This is an unbelieveable opportunity for the entire city and state. We'll still have two years of proposals and hoops to jump through, but at least we beat out L.A.

We are a city of neighborhoods. Edgewater, Streeterville, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Garfield Ridge, Bucktown, Garfield Park, Austin, Englewood, Lake Park, Canaryville, Auburn Gresham, Saughanash, Little Italty, Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Logan Square & West Lawn. Our histories are colorful, sometimes a little dirty; but strong and woven together to create this fabric of Midwestern life that is much more real than you'd find anywhere on either coast. Welcome to our 'hood ~ welcome to Chicago ~ welcome home!

Resurrection Sunday

"Now behold the Lamb, the precious Lamb of God. Born into sin that I may live again. The precious Lamb of God.

Holy is the Lamb. The precious Lamb of God. Why you loved me so Lord I shall never know. The precious Lamb of God.

Even when I broke, broke your heart
My sins tore us apart
But I'm standin' right here in the midst of my tears
I claim you to be the Lamb of God
New life can begin, yeah
For you washed away, washed away everyone of my sins
Whom the Son sets free is truly free indeed
I claim you to be the Lamb of God

Thank you for the Lamb. The precious Lamb of God. Because of your grace I can finish this race. The precious Lamb of God."

"Now Behold the Lamb" By: Kirk Franklin

First Day of Spring

It's the first full day of Spring ... finally time to put away the wool coat and swap it out for a jacket. I was tentative about yoga class today because of my knee, but it turned out to be a good class afterall. I was able to get up into a headstand, with a little bit of help from Nathan. The stretching really helped my left leg in general and I feel much better. The race is four days away and I've decided to not run again until then. I'm confident of covering the miles (8K = 4.9 miles); it's just the time that I'm concerned with. My goal is to finish under 60 minutes. I'll be running alongside my 14-year-old daughter and 20,000 plus other runners. As long as it doesn't rain and my knee holds up, it'll be doable.

Friday Night is Alright for Fighting

Too much coffee has been consumed in the course of the past three hours. I went way over my carb limit for today (the soy latte with sugar-free vanilla is what set things off). I was able to get a few things accomplished tonight. The race is next Sunday and my knee took a beating this week after three 40 minute+ runs. During Wednesday's yoga call, my instructor said I have "runner's groin." I had to ice the knee after each run with Sandra (our quads were killing us, too). Ibuprofen is our friend.

I ran into a few old friends this week. One at a wake and the other at a Starbucks. It's was a bit surreal to play catchup in a 10-15 minute window with people you haven't seen in over ten years ... but so good nonetheless.

"And there's peace and unity and we can be happy everafter."
Happy Everafter by: Julia Fordham

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Spring Fever

I have been battling a cold for the past two weeks. Winter has dragged on for far too long here. We are desperate for a little more sun. Such direct statements for a Thursday night post. I need to run outside. The Shamrock Shuffle 8K is coming up in two weeks and I've only run four times in the past month. If it breaks 50 degrees tomorrow, then a long run is in order for this weekend. I must finish under 60 minutes. Caitlyn is running with us. I think we can.

The Best Coffee Maker Ever

There's nothing like having a pot of freshly brewed, hot coffee made within 3 minutes of pouring water into your coffee maker ... especially on below-zero mornings. My mom turned us on to the Bunn coffee makers way back when. We have used this Bunn since '98 when I bought it at Marshall Field's with a gift card; but, it had seen better days. The coffee wasn't very hot. We weren't getting a full 10-cup pot. As a thank you gift for doing their taxes, my in-laws purchased us a spankin' brand new, sleek-stylin' Bunn. It was sad to decommission the old Bunn, but the time had come. Oh, the memories and conversations shared over coffee made with the old Bunn could fill a book or two; but, here's to a new chapter of overflowing mugs of caffeine and cream. I'm sure it will be just as good ... even better.

"... we're just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle!"

The city is awashed in blue and orange today. We are two days away from our home team's first appearance in the Super Bowl in 21 years. It's just as cold today as it was that day Yvonne and I huddled in Daley Plaza in '85 to await the arrival of the team for the ticker tape parade the day after they clobbered the Patriots in New Orleans. Payton. Hampton. Singletary. The Junk Yard Dogs. McMahon. Butler. Gault. Wilson. Dent. Bortz. Richardson. Ditka. Ryan.

It's funny how an entire city can perk up and join together in fervent anticipation of another championship. Chicago is so diverse, yet so united when it counts. Grossman. Urlacher. Gould. Kruetz. Davis. Jones. Benson. Lovie. Hester. Briggs. Rivera. Muhammad. Tait. Vasher. Briggs. Garza. Berrian. Clark. Hillenmeyer. Mannelly. Ogunleye.

GO BEARS!

No. 151 Sheridan

It is one of the most beautiful days in January I've ever experienced. It would've been a great day for a run, but mommy duties have me pointed in another direction.

We have begun to notice that it's not quite as dark when we leave the office at 5:00 p.m. I swear I even saw some crocus popping up last weekend. Winter is still heavy upon us, but I feel hopeful that Spring is not too far away.