Go Kary, GO!!!

Picture taken from her visit to Spokane a few years ago


HOT TO TROT!!
Feb 21, 2007 contributed by: Kary Hafen

Today I called Mari to see if I should go running. I told her it was about 5-10°, but very sunny. She asked about the treadmill. I didn't want to be confined within the walls, I wanted freedom and fresh air. I was concerned I might have a little cold coming on, but for the most part, I really felt ok. So, when Beth came over tonight, I asked if she could watch Stephen so I could take Sage on a walk. She said, "you bet!" She is so helpful. Ray went to the temple to help the youth w/ baptisms. Sage and I took off with a gentle pace and faced the cold. She had on her furry thick coat and I had on two fleeces with my puff daddy down jacket to keep me warm. I brought my face mask along just in case, but didn't need it. My eyes were watering from the cold, but once we turned off of Loganberry to 82nd, the breeze stopped piercing my eyes. My goal was to walk Sage to Shady Birch park and then head back home. We made it to the park and I let her off leash to run around free, smell the trees and go pee. She loves to run free...no wonder we get along so well. After we played together in the park, I decided we should walk a little further, so I put her back on leash and we went down 80th. We passed one moose and one dog off leash. Yes, the moose was off leash too. I can't believe such irresponsible owners! : ) We were headed back to Shady and I knew I was going to set a goal to run home from there like I did the other day. As we approached the park, I saw ahead of me, (on the other side of the road), a lady that was running. I had never seen her before. As I saw her coming closer to Shady Birch, I watched her freely swinging her arms and legs and just gliding through the air. She looked strong and refreshed. She looked free and happy! As we passed one another, (I was still walking), she turned and smiled at me and we both said, "hi." At that point, I knew she was sent to inspire me. I really think she was an angel that showed up at that very moment, just by my starting point, to encourage me that I could do it! I was ready to start my trot home with smiling Sage. When I started running, she bit at her leash as if to say: "Let me off, I want to run free too." There are times when we all may feel 'leashed' or in bondange, but I know that the bands that tie us down can be loosed. With the Lord's help, we can break them and rise above our burdens that sometimes weigh us down. I ran (trotted) all the way home. Shin splints started to set in, but quickly subsided. I did it! Victory is sweet! Those small stepping stones are huge for me. I want to feel strong again. By taking care of my body, I always felt more alive (before I got sick). I had energy, I smiled more, I served others gladly, I could sing, dance, cook up a storm and heal a broken heart when I was running before....I'm ready to live again, so watch out world...........I'm back!!! Slow and steady, but I am ready!!!

Thank you all for your inspiration and prayers in my behalf. I am so grateful for the strength of my family. I will pull my handcarts with you anytime. Now, let's get to work and start crossing the plains. We still need to make it to the promised land so we can be together forever!

hugs & smiles, Kary