Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Different Race


With my wife at home from the hospital
 I missed the Napa Valley Marathon on March 8, 2011.  I have not run for 10 days.  I will be unable to run today.  But I am running a different "race".

The weekend of the marathon I brought my wife to the Emergency and was eventually admitted to the hospital due to hallucinations.  After a few days of fluid and antibiotic infusion, the doctors informed that my wife's health is declining fast because of the cancer metastases to her liver and lungs. Her prognosis does not look very good.  After 5 days in the hospital we have decided to take her home and start hospice care.  Rather than treating her cancer, the goal is now to provide her comfort and dignity.

The last few days have totally changed my routine, specially my training runs.  I have 0 mileage and have been spending my time on my wife's bedside.  But I am still a praying runner...running a different race.  It's my wife's race to the finish.  She is fighting a good fight but she needs me.  And I will run this race with her.  The truth is all my marathon trainings are being put into good use.  Sleepless nights, long days of watching her and giving care yet with short rest then start a new day.  Like a marathon, you keep going until the finish, thinking of resting after crossing the line, then getting ready again to train for your next race.

Nope, no mileage for awhile.  But still running.  Running a "race" to rest in God - for my wife.


3 comments:

  1. Dear Jose... It is with great sadness that I read this post. My heart is aching for you, but I am inspired by your attitude and your outlook on the future. I will be praying for strength, faith and comfort for you all!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I truly admire your faith and your strength. I am about to quit on a certain race I am in right now and this post made me think twice. I pray that your wife finds peace and comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am praying for you and your beautiful wife as she makes her transition to a better place.

    ReplyDelete