seeing familiar faces

I know Russ is planning to blog in a few minutes about our happenings since last you heard from us - but I thought I'd jump in first to say that our last "training" walk last Thursday went very well. We walked almost 11 miles from our house to NoDa - much of it in the rain (some of it pouring rain!) and the lightening - which once struck WAY too close for comfort!!! We took refuge under Selwyn Presbyterian Church's front porch where Bennett suggested that we sing a new song that we have learned that Russ has written. The words are very simple - "Do not be afraid. Peace, be still." It helped. It was good to try out our rain gear and to practice what it feels like to walk this distance with our packs and hats and shoes. It was even more important to get mentally prepared. We did well. We had walked a 3 mile trek and a 6 mile trek, but I'll tell you, something happens to your hips at about mile 9 1/2 - they start to hurt. And nothing pleased me more than when Russ had to take several rounds of Ibuprofen for his aching joints - misery does indeed love company!

But the best part of the journey was the conclusion. We arrived at Cabo Fish Taco a little early. It was great to serve as the welcoming committee as Dave and Sally Silden arrived. And then Wendy Watson. And then Anne Hunter Eidson. And then Gray Clark. And then Jim and Jean and Liza Veilleux. I had not realized how much I missed everyone. I felt myself honestly lighting up from the inside out to be with members of our church family. They served as representatives of our larger PRBC family and it was simply good to catch up. We didn't talk church. We simply shared a meal and friendship and laughter. And it was good.

Bennett was the one that really made my day though. We were walking somewhere around Presbyterian Hospital - he and I side by side - when he said to me - "You know the favorite way I like for you to look?" Could be a loaded question, but I took the bait . . . ok . . . what's the favorite way for me to look? "With your baseball hat (which I've worn about 50% of the summer), no make-up (more than 50% of the summer), shorts and T-Shirts." What??? Better than the way I dress for work? "Yep - you look more relaxed." Don't you just love it when a 10 year old absolutely makes your day?!

More to come from Russ about Cooperstown and baseball . . . but today you may just find me in my baseball hat and hoarse voice from all the screaming that all good baseball moms do!

Amy