Enduring to the End

I'm telling you, if you want to learn lessons in life, train for and run a marathon. The whole process is full of little life lessons. I just finished week 12 of 16 in my marathon training for the Ogden Marathon. 16 weeks is a long time! Phil's sick of my training, my running partners are sick of my training, and well, I'm sick of my training! The current plan I'm using (FIRST if any one cares) is pushing me more than I have ever pushed before. I've run 4 twenty milers over the past 12 weeks with ONE MORE TO GO next week! Wahoo! The week day track repeats/tempo runs are stinking hard and I rarely reach the pace they want me to. I've also been trying to do some biking/spinning a couple days a week to cross train (I've never cross trained before and I tell you, I kind of like it!)

So though I can hardly keep up, I am starting to feel myself getting stronger. A few more weeks and I'll be ready for the big race - regardless of the outcome, I have benefited by pushing myself and my attempt to endure to the end.

Today I'm reminded of another kind of enduring to the end. The end of life. My dad's side of the family gathered today at Grandma's house to lay claim on any remembrances we would like before they sell her house. Grandma has moved to an assisted living facility and came to the house while we were all gathered. Talk about enduring to the end. This is a woman who has raised 5 kids, kept an immaculate house, served her church and family faithfully, made numerous treasures with her hands, and is now ready for a nap after getting dressed. 96 years is a LONG time! And now grandma is enduring. She's ready to go (she's tells grandpa to come get her every day) but it is not her turn, so she's waiting patiently, watching the world go on around her (she can't hear well) while she endures.

As I went through the items I brought home, I felt a bit unworthy. I washed bread pans that she'd used countless times in making homemade bread. I put books on my shelves that were read in a constant effort to learn and study the gospel. I put away items that she had lovingly made with her hands when they had worked long and exhaustive days. No Grandma, I don't know much about enduring to the end, but I will think of you as I use these items and in my efforts to follow in your footsteps. Thanks for your great example. I'll also think of you as I endure my final weeks of marathon training and complete my race. You're my inspiration!! Go Grandma! You can do this, and in the end the rewards will be endless!

Grandma's freezer was always stocked with ice cream. I was tickled to get this picture of my kids eating ice cream in her backyard.

Some of her posterity!

The Swing in the Back Painted Red
by the Austin Cousins
It was six feet wide,
Could swing real high,
"Careful" Grandma said.
It was made by Grandpa with loving care
In the back of the yard in the shed.
It had hose on the chain, carpet on the seat.
We thought it was neat.
We got slivers in our __________
But we had a lot of fun,
On the swing in the back painted red.