5.21.2006

Two runs and a son are in the barn

Right after my last post I went out to run 4 miles. It felt good and went fairly quickly at a 9 minute pace, my usual easy pace. I was heartened by the good feeeling I had in my legs later in the morning. You know, that tested and energizing tingle you feel for a few hours after a run. That was fine until the afternoon when I started having a relapse of the saliva flood et al. It hit me as I was taking the stage at my second son's high school graduation.
First, to settle the medical issue, I took a benadryl before bed and slept 11 hours Friday night to recover. 11 hours. It was blissful.
Friday was graduation day. Being in a high level position in the district and having a good relationship with the principal, I was able to pull a few strings. Unbeknownst to son C, I was going to be on stage in my gown and hood to shake his hand and present him his diploma. On the stage, there were two school board members, the superintendent, the area superintendent, the principal and one or two other notables; and then there was me, father of C.
We were "treated" to 18 Valedictorian addresses of 60 seconds or less, a litany of great student and school accomplishments and the shaking of 740 graduating senior hands before a standing room only arena of parents and families. Phew.
When C. came through he didn't shake hands; he hugged everybody including the supe and school board members. He was all fired up. It was a moving experience. I got to see eye to eye with a lot of sharp young kids; as well as a few who probably barely made it through, judging by their demeanor.
Graduation was followed by a celebratory dinner and a weekend of grad parties of girls C knows but would wish to know a little better, judging by how he is dressing up and behaving, so far. C is moving out of the house in the fall to attend college and that leaves me and Mrs. T alone in the house with the dogs. Anybody see Failure to Launch? I have plans for the boy's room. No; actually I have to rethink some plans I had in my head a while back and see what I can make of them.
Back to Running. I made it out of bed by 615 today and made it up to Park Avenue to see my Sunday morning running buds. Yes indeed; they still show up. I ran with Jack, Marty and Chris. I covered about six miles very slowly. I had the strength, though not for much more. The heat and humidity is picking up again.
Comng home, I sensed a hollowness. I could remember the intense sensations I had last fall when I could see the sun coming up over the lake, hear the birds chirping, see green trees and foliage shimmering, feel the quiet streets and all the little things that made running in the early morn so special. I knew they were all there this morning but I didn't have the feeling. Something is not right. Something is missing. There is a veil between me and where I want to be.

15 comments:

ShoreTurtle said...

Congratulations to your son. It's very cool you were able to be on stage to give him his diploma.

Good luck sorting things out. People run for different reasons, but I have a sense of what your talking about.

Mia Goddess said...

I LOVE that picture, and this must have been a very proud day for you. The thought of my boys leaving me and going off to live their lives... *shudder*. I guess it's a good thing I have 13 years to work myself up to the first one heading off.

As for the disconnect...dude, have you considered post-partum depression? Even a wee case is very disturbing. The good news is, it passes. My trick? Just keep at it and then, miraculously, it just feels "right" one day. Again.

Running Chick said...

you're not back up to full strength yet...give your recovery some time, and I promise that veil will be lifted.

Ebb and flow.

jeanne said...

Congrats on your son's graduation it's a cliche but really, you must be so very proud. I'm sure the veil will lift...life will be different once he's gone, but it can be just GREAT, so be patient with yourself.

(I did six today too!)

21st Century Mom said...

Lovely family shot and how lucky and special to get to hand your kid his diploma.

My baby graduates on June 9 and leaves the nest in the fall. My oldest has already gone to live 1,000 miles away. It does leave a hole.

Irene said...

Congratulations to your son!

I hope you get that feeling back in your morning runs. I know what you mean. It will return.

~Irene

David said...

One of my offline "pals" says I look good in a dress. She just lost privileges.

L*I*S*A said...

Congrats to C for a fine accomplishment! Sounds like the running is falling into place as well. :)

Stay healthy!!

Rhea said...

Great photo of the fam! And very cool that you got to hand your son his diploma. I know what you mean by the hollow feeling. It will pass ...

Jank said...

Graduation sounds like it went well - certainly much to be proud of with all the Thin Trade boys.

The hollowness is not necessarily a bad thing - it's up to you to choose how to fill it.

Oldman said...

congrats what a great moment... now the serious money begins in the fall.

Anonymous said...

I got chills at the idea that you got to be on the stage. And good on you for raising the pumped-up, hugging type. Congrats to all of you!

Glad to hear you're running.

"There is a veil between me and where I want to be." It will come. Lay off the Diet Coke, and it will come. Kidding ... I know, that's my issue, not yours. :)

Rae said...

Congrats on the grad!!!

We all have our ups and downs, hope you're back up soon.

Rich said...

Congratulations on a fine job. Well behaved kids - ain't that a blessing!

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Congrats on your son's graduation. What a fabulous picture. A yes the plans for the empty room....