Mother Mary For The Win

J.M.J.A.T.K.G

I didn't go to Mass today. Yes, I know- it was a holy day of obligation. To be fair I thought Mass near work started at 6, when I got off, it was at 5. Fail.
However, that's not what this post is exactly about...

A month ago I was told my grandma didn't have long to live. I was beyond devastated, especially since I had planned to move ten hours away to be closer to my nuns later that week. I also had my dream job waiting in the broadcasting field. I had to give that up. Even though it was extremely hard to tell my nuns and that job "not yet" something told me I wouldn't regret staying home.
Since making that decision I have regretted staying home. I told God time and time again that I am not a caretaker, I am a broadcaster and social media guru. People told me how noble and great I was to stay and take care of my grandma. Truth was, I couldn't even think about going out to my grandma's house. The thought of seeing her health deteriorate before my eyes was too much.
The guilt was unbearable. I didn't eat for days. After walking out of Mass one night I realized that I couldn't run if I continued not eating. That night I cleaned my plate and I continue to do so- for the most part. Yes, running saved my life.
However, even running couldn't fix the fact that I was failing as a granddaughter. This woman helped raise me when my parents worked long hours, taught me how to read and how to garden. My family was counting on me to help her with chores around the house and keep her from thinking about what was coming. I was losing my mind.

Tonight I was asked to take over garbage bags to grandma's house. She said she decided to clean out the house so we wouldn't have to after she died. I nearly lost it. I kept screaming in my head that I couldn't do this- that something needed to happen- I couldn't do this alone.
This time, instead of making up an excuse to leave, I stayed and talked. She switched gears and suddenly was making jokes that I was used to hearing.
And then God hit me so hard I can only hope it did permanent damage.

I saw the huge blessing that God was giving me- I couldn't image leaving home. THIS is where I belong right NOW.
As I was pulling out of her drive I remembered that this was the Feast day of the Assumption of Mary. So Mary, yet again, came through for me in a HUGE way.

Thank you, Mother Mary!!!

New Running Shoes

J.M.J.A.T.K.G

To continue on the theme of running (because not everyone knows how great of a runner I have become*) here is another post on running.

A few weeks ago at work a coworker pulled out a brand new pair of running shoes from our lost and found. (We have a policy that if you leave something for 30 days - we give it to a thrift store.) She said this was the first time since we opened six months ago that someone left a pair of shoes.
I wanted to try them on but I thought there was no way they would fit. I would have to bite the bullet and buy a brand new pair. At that point I hadn't been able to run because my old pair was just too warn out. It was frustrating because I was really starting to get into the groove.
The next day when I came into work they were sitting in the same spot - a rarity. Usually the pile is immediately washed and taken to the thrift store. When the shoes were finally taken away to be washed, I mentioned to my coworker that I might want the shoes. As soon as I told her, she was bound and determined to get me those shoes. After some tough and confusing negotiations with the maintenance staff (the folks that handle the lost and found stuff) I was told to wait until the shoes had dried. Then I was to take them to my boss to decide on the price. But I was warned that my boss never gives a fair price.
After that I was useless at work. Those shoes were all I could think about. I was so giddy and couldn't stop smiling - this was just too prefect. I needed a new pair of shoes but really didn't want to spend the $80 on a new pair. I seriously thought I would have to give up my new found love. Plus, running had become a great way to pray and learn all sorts of life lessons.
So. After I clocked out I went to try on the shoes (I still didn't know if they would even fit). I slipped on the still wet shoes - it was a prefect fit. I grabbed the shoes and took them to my boss hoping he would give me a fair price.

Four dollars he said. Fair enough.

I gave him 5 because I was such a pain in the butt about the shoes.

God truly answered my prayers. I think this is the first time God came through in such an obvious way. Although I was praying for much bigger things God specially answered a resounding "YES" to this one. I don't know why God answered this prayer so quickly and taking Her sweet time on the bigger prayers. However, I'm not complaining.

*Not exactly true on being a great runner. I'm getting there though.