What could be better than the prospect of a long weekend? Not only that, the beautiful sunshine and record breaking temperatures on the hotter side are such a welcome bonus! We will be hitting the colder temperatures soon enough, so this weather has turned out to be the most amazing gift for Thanksgiving weekend!
Most people look forward to the Thanksgiving weekend as it's the first long weekend since Labour Day that signaled the end of the summer. It's also the first break parents get from the chaos of the back to school ritual and the start of children's activities.
Thanksgiving has taken on a whole new perspective since being diagnosed with cancer. Like birthdays, they are special celebrations that fill you with gratitude for the loved ones around you. There's nothing better than getting together with family during these special occasions. This weekend we are going on a road trip to visit aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Everyone's looking forward to it, because we don't get to see each other all that often. As the girls get older, these trips may be less enticing to them, as the friends and social scene will take priority. But for now we are together, and they are having fun.
Whenever I travel I always bring my running bag with me. Sometimes we get too busy with activities for me to get a run in, and my later bed times than usual make me sleep in, so I can't get one in early morning either. This time I have been able to get the runs in! It's always a bonus when that happens. This weekend it was the prospect of not getting a run in with such nice weather that inspired me. It was the nostalgia of a beautiful summer day that led me to get my shorts and tee out. After all, there are not many days left in this year where I will be able to run in 26 degree weather. The excitment of doing so, and sweating like you only can in the middle of a lazy summer were almost too good to be true.
As I was running down the road and along the beautiful rolling hills sprinkled with trees sporting a variety of fall colours, I was filled with happiness. Lots of people were outside enjoying the weather. Many were walking, while the golf fanatics, most, I would say, who were just as thrilled with the weather as I was, took advantage of the last few times they will play golf this season.
On the way back from my run, I noticed someone running towards me from afar. Although we never stop and talk to a runner as they pass by, we say a quick hello. It's always invigorating to see others out for a run as well. The more the merrier, I say. Anyways, as the person running towards me got closer to me, I realized it was my daughter. What a bonus! And she was just as happy as I was!
Whatever your plans are for this wonderful long weekend, take time to be grateful for what you have. Enjoy the family, if you are getting together, or enjoy the peace and tranquility of a long lazy weekend sitting in the warm sun with a good book. Give thanks for your health and the love that surrounds you. For it is the memory of these times that will carry you through the ones that are more difficult.
I will remember my beautiful run for the rest of the fall and winter. It will carry me through the freezing temperatures, and put a smile on my face as I navigate the snow covered roads. It will remind me of the promise of more summers to come, where I will once again put on my shorts and tee, and feel the gratitude, once again, of feeling the warm glow of the sun on my skin as I run down the road. Happy Thanksgiving!