run on sentences

It's been  17 years since I wrote a blog post called "Running into my age" (https://runon-sentences.blogspot.com/2008/04/running-into-my-age.html).  I thought I was an older runner then and I was only 54!  Now I am older and slower but still out there doing miles - less miles and at a slower pace.  There are others like me and we quietly acknowledge each other when we meet with a knowing smile.  We are a part of a small, but grateful club.  We are "older women" runners. A few days ago I was running and gave a "thumbs up" to a woman who looked to be in "the club".  My thumbs up wasn't necessarily because she was out there "still running", but mostly because she was wearing shorts that displayed a lot of her muscled but wrinkly thighs.  And a sleeveless tank top.  "Hurray" I thought to myself.  Another woman who defies the "shoulds" "women over 50 should not wear shorts that are higher than knee length an...

Fifty years ago on June 2nd, 1975, I walked about a mile and a half uphill in the avenues of Salt Lake City to my first interview as an RN, at Primary Children's medical center.  I was wearing a lime green pantsuit that my sister had lent me .   It was June and really hot and I wasn't used to the dry heat with no humidity.  It was quite a walk.  I didn't have a car and didn't know the bus system.   The views of the mountains, though were something I hadn't ever seen before. My nursing graduation picture.  I wore this cap for about 6 months. I  had impulsively moved to Salt Lake City after my college graduation in Michigan.     Why?  Probably because my mom said I would never move that far from home and my ex boyfriend said he hoped I broke my leg.   Looking back, that was a really brave move for someone like me who had never been west of Minnesota.   My friends told me that I wouldn't get a job in Utah ...

  Little Miles One-dimpled smiles Given sparingly at first But then generously A big voice That you aren’t afraid to use If your plans are thwarted. You scared us  With your emergency entrance Your mom was calm As your dad drove her to the hospital We were afraid for both of you When I saw your first picture My nurse self was worried. Pale, I thought, but crying loudly Your great grandmas in Heaven Both whispered “He’ll be okay” A blood transfusion for you and one for your mom Both of you pink with that donation You came home to your big brother, Calvin And Opie and Lady, your gentle protectors Dark hair and eyes, Pink  chubby cheeks You look  like your mom But sometimes your dad I was grateful  to hold you Just a few days old And look into your eyes And see you are part Of all of us here and gone You liked laying on your back Watching ceiling fans And shadows. Your teeth grew fast And it made you cranky Early teeth do no good If your diet is only milk Now you ...

  2-05-25 On this day last year….. You arrived Around 530 am, daylight was near Maxfield Endeavor Thomas Maxfield, my mom’s maiden name I am sure she kissed you on the forehead As you took your first breath As  she did for all her great grandsons "Endeavor", meaning to try hard I was awake, sleeping at your house With Stevie and Bird - and Marty and Krindy Cats and dogs who would become Your friends and guardians You were anticipated and wanted From the day your mom said “I’m 8 weeks pregnant” While grandpa and I sat in silence But for only a second And then we smiled and didn’t stop Before you were born, your mom sent pictures Of her increasing girth showing your continued growth I breathed a sigh of relief Each time, knowing you were okay Safe inside,  you grew and grew Until you mom’s  high blood pressure  evicted you A few weeks early You were ready On that Monday morning a phone call and a video from your dad Showing you, newly born,  protesting a lit...