Thursday morning run.

I woke up this morning early.
Early, early.

For a bit I watched my three bears sleeping.
First the Papa Bear.
Then the baby bears.

The house was quiet.
Dark, too.

I made some coffee. Then, I laced up my shoes and covered myself with things to reflect light.
Because that's what you are supposed to do when the sun isn't up yet.

Anyways.

Drank my coffee, did some stretching and then out the door and into the air.
No music today. Just the rhythm of my feet striking the pavement and the thoughts in my head.

I organized a lecture.
Made a shopping list.
Started building my slideset for that lecture.
And even wrote a letter of recommendation.

All in my head on that early morning run.

Then I was done with that and it got quiet.
Very quiet.
I could see Deanna's face. Laughing at my kitchen table.
At me. With me.
So I ran and I cried.
I sure did.

Ran and ran.
And cried and cried.

Thursday. It was a Thursday when that new normal started.
So yeah. I ran faster.
And I cried as much as I wanted.

Sure did.

And I felt good and strong while I did.
Good. Strong. Fine.
My heart was getting stronger physically and emotionally
It was.
It is.

Then I came home and roused the three bears.
This time the baby bears first.
And last, the Papa bear.

I told them I loved them and then told them one more time.

Now I'm telling you the same thing in case no one else has today.

Good morning. I feel good today. I hope you do, too.

***