This morning, I find myself watching the ever interesting Maya Angelou. She spoke about wanting to add to her life's accomplishments. The one thing she didn't do that she had wished had, have a daughter. You see, she was lucky enough to have a son but not a daughter. Anyway, she reminded me of a story that always makes me giggle. I would like to share it with you, hoping you have the same reaction. Here we go......
When Natalie was in high school, she played basketball....another "love" of hers. Her sophomore year, her coach (Daley) begged her to run cross country. For he coached a top team for several years. That year he needed a fifth runner, the top four were very good. Sooo good that they could all scholarship, and winning state would help them achieve their goals. After many conversations Natalie finally agreed.
Mind you, she was playing on the junior tennis tour, on the basketball team and tennis team. How in the heck would she fit in cross country? Her day went like this....school, basketball practice, tennis practice, homework, dinner (while driving somewhere).....then about 9-10 p.m.....running the neighborhood. I'm exhausted just remembering all that she did!
Because it was dark outside by the time it came to running. One of us, usually me would drive behind her with the car lights on her. You may ask why....wellll.....first and foremost her safety. Second, to support her efforts.
The first time she was going to run the neighborhood, Nat asked me to beep the horn at every 1/4 mile so that she could "mark" off the neighborhood. Know how far she was running if you will. So, there we were....Natalie running in the pitch black of night. Me following her in the car with my lights on her. Me beeping the horn every 1/4 mile. It didn't take many running practices or days before word spread. People came up to Natalie and talked to her about how mean I was for making her run at night, in front of the car and when she wasn't going fast enough I was beeping at her to indicated to her to speed up. <<insert giggles here>>
When Natalie told me about these "nosey neighbors", my feelings were hurt. But then I thought, why be hurt by people who don't care enough about us to ask what we are doing? They just assumed and spread rumors. Of course, Natalie explained what we were doing and how she appreciated my help and willingness to make sure she was safe. And now, this is one of our favorite stories that continues to make us giggle! And this morning Maya's words reminded me of this story and made me giggle.....those words:
"I care enough to let you go and I care enough to follow you" --- Maya Angelou
Care enough to follow! Love and Blessings.....Sherry
P.S.....just realized today (3-21-14)....I mis spelled Maya's name. Sure wish someone would have let me know.....remember....spelling, English, writing techniques....not my profession! I do this blog for fun and to keep folks informed of Nat's journey with a few added bonuses!
