"You're going to do a workout today, or I'll hurt you."

I threaten these boys comically all of the time, every one of them knowing there is no truth to my consequences.  However, they also know that if I'm pressing them to do something, they WILL do it!  So, these three handsome boys worked out today in honor of a little man, Brayden, who was taken at 3 years old due to cancer.

 He's just what his eyes are saying, "fun and crazy."

 You know what he is, "Thoughtful and witty."

Just makes you want to kiss him, huh? Sweet and funny.

There was some pushback, lots of joking, and talk of doing "one round" in the WOD.  However, they also know that we prayed for Brayden almost every night and were wishing, too, that he'd be miraculously cured.  They knew that there was a reason to work hard today.  So, they worked hard indeed!  The WOD that their Aunt Tracy's gym did in honor of Brayden was tough.

10" AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of the following round:

200m run (They ran up and down our steep driveway.)

10 Box Jumps (Anthony and Chas did 20", and Starks used the 24" box.)

10 Sit ups

Then, they got to rest 5" and do another 10" AMRAP of the following new round:

200m run (Again up and down the driveway)

10 Air Squats

10 Burpees

BURPEES!!!??!!?

They CRUSHED this WOD!  They really pushed hard and to the point of chest pain from breathing so hard and the urge to puke.  LOL.  I didn't push THAT hard in mine! So, I stood there encouraging them, keeping track of reps and rounds, and thanking God over and over that my boys are healthy, capable and able to do this WOD.  I know that any of them can be taken from me.  I am not guaranteed to have them until they're 18 and in college.  I am not promised to see grandchildren.  The more I remind myself of these facts and others, the more I take each moment to heart.  We weren't just in the garage working out to get through time in the day.  We were celebrating life.  The life that Brayden was given that was a unique and short 3 years and the life that we are living each day we're given.  I have this inner drive to make each day count.  It might just be from God.  However, I think it comes from my upbringing, when without money for necessities, we were made aware of our true blessings.  How my Momma made carrying loads of laundry in pillowcases about 6 blocks to the laundromat on the weekends in the snow seem like fun.  It wasn't about "the world" making our happiness, it was our choice to make it and recognize the blessings offered to us each day like the benefit of peace on a deserted, snowy street and walking hand-in-hand singing songs together.  

I did not know Brayden or his parents personally, but my sister-in-law, Tracy, did.  Her breaking heart made mine break as well.  The knowledge of a parent with older children makes one almost mourn for more because they know all of the moments from 3 to 18 that are so wonderful.  However, one cannot dwell in that place.  We are made to move on and adapt.  I'm not belittling grief or making light of tragedy, but I feel like God doesn't want us in that pit for any longer than necessary.  We HAVE to look up, right?  We have to see that there's a way out.  Hopefully, in hindsight, we will some day see His hand in all of it.  I know first hand SO many of those times for me.  Like when what I thought was a desperate situation or a tribulation, I could in fact see months or years from then was just a redirection or even a blessing.  I will keep praying that his parents are able to find peace and hope again.

I feel so thankful to have been in discomfort today in thanksgiving of the fact that I can push myself (and along side my boys).  I thought of Brayden, but I wish I would have thought of his parents while running up and down this evil hill.  I thought of what he went through and that my current state did not at all compare.  However, if I were thinking of his parents instead, I could have made it a time to pray for them.  I could have used it more constructively rather than feeling inadequate in my head.  We are meant to encourage and build each other up, and my time would have been better spent doing that.  

I am someone who cannot see another person every morning in line at Starbucks and NOT know their name, their job, and chat each morning thereafter as if we're life long friends.  It makes me uncomfortable NOT to speak to them.  I feel as if the simple acknowledgement that another person exists and has a name gives that person value.  "I'm happy to be sharing this moment each morning with you instead of being alone."  I don't have a relationship with the family, but I feel like in my heart, I do.  Through God, I do.  I pray for peace and a ridiculous amount of love to fill such a gaping hole in their hearts.