Yesterday afternoon the four of us left for Irene’s in Brookline. We enjoyed a Venezuelan homestyle dinner and then this morning awoke to a gorgeous day for a walk. The crowds at UMass Boston were huge and the weather was perfect. 
Macey, Mary Beth, Tom, Kelly, Ben, Jonathan, John, and Ruby all traveled from Northampton to meet us there. Irene’s daughter and friend joined us as did Eileen and Norm Shacochis, my brother-in-law’s parents who live nearby.
We meandered along near the rear of the pack, clocking in at something close to two hours. Near the end, Laura decided to walk herself and she completed the last 2/10ths of a mile with cane and me. The kids had a terrific time — nothing but positive feelings from the experience — something that I hope to recall next year. Thanks to everyone for joining us and supporting the Komen fund!
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Just after Laura finished the course and sat down she got sick again, which was a pretty awful let down. We don’t know if it was coincidental, somehow associated with the release after achieving a goal, or (my current theory) motion-related. Similar to the the beginning of the year, Laura has been feeling nauseated and/or throwing up recently when she gets moving on our windy country roads in the car. It wouldn’t surprise me if her balance was thrown off after riding in a wheelchair for a couple hours and then stopping, too. In any case, we cut the day a little short and headed back to Ashfield.
Back home Laura rested. Lily and I found that our pear tree was so heavily laden with fruit that last night’s storm ripped off its top, so she and I collected some fruit a little early from the fallen limbs. In the process we found a few of our apples are already ripe, so I think I better buy some mason jars soon.
Before I put Laura to sleep — that relaxation stuff is still working! — Laura talked about how scared she is right now. And I am, too. The trip to Boston forced her to do much more than when she is at home: moving around in unfamiliar places, talking with strangers, and fully grasping what is going on. At dinner last night, Laura kept interjecting non-sequiturs into the conversation and it really caught me off guard. And when it happens and she realizes that she’s not quite tuned in, then it really makes her anxious. She can get very emotional — nervous, edgy, and upset with herself. Just before the race started this morning she got a little hysterical because she didn’t understand what was happening. I can’t imagine anything more frightening than realizing that you’re losing your mind.
12 responses so far ↓
1 Heather Coleman Arbeen // Sep 8, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks for sharing the picture and video and thanks to everyone who helped Laura cross that finish line!
Laura … I’m so proud to call you my sister!
Love to all,
Heather
2 Aunt Cathy // Sep 8, 2008 at 8:43 am
Laura and David,
You accomplished a tremendous goal and while little things nag at you in the back of your mind, I hope the euphoria will sustain you as you deal with them. Many times medications will give that confused, anxious feeling, as I have experienced that myself. I know you will continue to give your best love and care to one another. We Maryland Colemans send our ever present prayers and good thoughts for strength and fortitude for whatever rears it’s ugly head!
Love,
Aunt Cathy
3 Nicole // Sep 8, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thank you so much for posting this video. It meant a great deal to me to see it. Lots of love.
4 Rocky // Sep 8, 2008 at 9:33 am
Congratulations Laura!!!
Love, Rocky
5 Karen // Sep 8, 2008 at 9:49 am
The video is a wonderful, meaningful gift for us to see Laura and all the participants having a great time at the race. It brought tears to my eyes.
It inspired our whole family to participate in 2009 and in years to come…
Hope Laura feels better today. My thoughts are with you all,
love,
Karen
6 ada // Sep 8, 2008 at 6:27 pm
This is Aunt Rhonda. Clydene has been keeping me up to date. I wanted to call but realized you were leaving for the race. I know that you have lots of company but I want you to know I can come for a week or two if needed. Our prayers are with you always. Uncle Troy & Aunt Rhonda
7 Mark Taggart // Sep 8, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Way to go, Laura! Man, I occasionally throw up after a race, & I’m not even dealing with a system full of warring pharmaceuticals… it just means you’re a hardcore competitor, that’s all… 😉
8 Elena // Sep 8, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I was so happy to see some of the action from Boston. I do wish I could have been there with you all, but I was thinking of you all day.
9 Suzy // Sep 8, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I’m so proud you you Laura! Thank you for posting the video. Lots of love!
10 Tina Coleman Wilson // Sep 8, 2008 at 11:01 pm
You are an inspiration to all of us. To see you’ll finishing that race was great. We hope tomorrow brings you a good day. You all are forever in our thoughts and prayers. Love Tina
11 katrin // Sep 11, 2008 at 2:08 pm
laura,
you, david, lily, and naomi continue to inspire me. when i saw the photo and video all i could think was “GO LAURA!” what an incredible goal to have achieved. you all remain in my thoughts and prayers every day.
love & hugs, katrin
12 Allison Beasley // Sep 12, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations, Laura!!! How wonderful to see you achieve your goal and cross the finish line. A beautiful sight.
Allison (Ann’s fellow pilgrim to Peru)