Marshall Mangler 50k
This was not an easy race. Which is good, I didn’t want it to be. I truly felt blessed to be ABLE to run
this race. To know that even
though it would be hard, I would get to the finish line. I knew that there was a good chance I’d
come home bruised, dirty, or cold, and I did—all three.
I count my blessings, because today, I ran for my
mother-in-law, Thelma (Thel). Heaven only knows if she has weeks, days, or just
hours left, but Thel’s ticket to heaven has been purchased…we are just awaiting
the departure date.
This beautiful woman was once a power walker. It was not uncommon to see her around
her neighborhood or along the path at Niawanda Park. She was active until she couldn’t be.
Advanced dementia is a horrible disease. Thel’s conversation skills during the
past few years are akin to one of those amusement park rides. You know, the kind where you sit in a
cart on a track. The cart passes a switch that activates something in the ride. When Thel would see me, she would
ALWAYS ask me the following three questions:
2. How’s your mother?
3. Is she staying in her house?
Then, unfortunately, the cart would move on and our
conversation would end. Often
times she would look at me and it would trigger the questions again, and again,
and again.
Today, I ran because Thelma can’t.
Thel was known for some of her recipes. German potato salad, Autumn Chowder and
her sweet red chili sauce are three that stand out.
I wouldn’t dare attempt her potato salad while she is
alive. That would be sacrilegious. I make Autumn Chowder from Mark’s
memory vs. a recipe every year. He
always takes a few bites, makes that face, and I end up donating the rest to the
neighbors. Okay, so not like momma’s---I
get it. But, the red chili sauce
was different. I liked it so much;
I helped her make it, so that I could learn the recipe. Actually, all I was allowed to do was
sit at the table while she made it, but that’s okay. That recipe, I’ve got.
When I came home from the race, I asked Mark how his mom was
doing. He said she was lucid and
that they talked about recipes.
German Potato salad came up---even though she is on death’s door, she
wasn’t giving up her secrets. Then she
told him where the recipe for Autumn Chowder could be found. When he asked about the sweet red chili
sauce, she said, “Eva likes that”. It hit me like a ton of bricks, Her cart made a
U-turn! It was as close to ‘I love
you' can be without the words.
So, yes Thelma, I am still running, and today I ran for you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to grab
a tissue and the recipe for red chili sauce.
Eva: I saw your post about your experience at the Philly 20 in 24. I'm interested in speaking with you for an article about 'fat-ass'-style runs, for a local Philly newspaper. If you're willing to participate, would you give me a call at 215-854-5053 or email smelamed (at) phillynews (dot) com?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Samantha