HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

I just wanted to take the time wish my father and all the dads out there an awesome, wonderful and fulfilling Father's day!!! Dad I love you. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me and meant to me. Your support and love are immeasurable and I wouldn't trade you for all the money, or treasure in the world. Not even a healthy Achilles:-)

There are many sperm donors out there who do nothing to enrich or enhance the lives of their children. The "deadbeat dads". This day is not for you. This day is reserved to pay homage to men like my father who taught me respect and what it means to be a real man. Whose shoulder I could lean or cry on whenever I needed to. Who I KNOW will always be here for me no matter what happens, whether I win or lose. Whether I'm the smartest or not. Whether I'm the prettiest or not. And whether anyone else things I'm the best thing since sliced bread or not:-) My dad thinks I'm all the above and that makes me feel good:-)

HAPPY HAPPY FATHER's DAY dad!! Hope you'll have many many more to come!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today is one of the most special days in the calendar year because it's the day we celebrate our mothers!! I have been extremely blessed to have had such a wonderful role-model, friend, confidante, supporter, cheerleader and mother in the person of Lois Edwards, whose name I was given as one of my middle names. I couldn't be more happy and proud to have her in my life and my only wish is that we have many, many more years ahead of us to celebrate being mother and daughter.

I took the 1hr 45 min. drive up to Bakersfield tonight driving with my left foot:-( just so that I could surprise her and it was definitely worth it. It's just a short visit because I'll be headed back to LA tomorrow but I really wanted to spend the day with her. So here's to my mom. May God continue to bless you. Your loving daughter....

DOWN BUT DEFINITELY NOT OUT....

If I could've foreseen myself being injured last week Saturday, I would've never guessed that in the wake of such a terrible setback, that I would be doing so well....emotionally, at least.

I got my MRI results back and as was suspected, I do have a partial tear in the middle of my Achilles tendon, about 4-5cms. in length. That being said, it could be worse. Apart from swelling, there's no further damage to my foot or calf. I've already begun some pretty intensive therapy and since I don't need surgery, I've been looking into some other innovative and effective treatment options and let's just say, I'm feeling a lot more hopeful than I did a couple days ago:-)

Additionally, I am amazed at how when you find yourself at your lowest, how people, both friends and strangers alike, step up and show you so much compassion and love. From the number of people that have opened doors for me, carried bags for me, to the lady who pumped my gas for me, receiving some beautiful get-well flowers:-), to all the daily texts and calls and bbms from everyone just checking on me and making sure I'm OK, I just feel blessed to know that people care. They really care. And I'm telling you, it helps SO much!!! Don't get me wrong, these crutches really suck but I'm just saying, it could be worse!


Pic of my poor foot:-(

Last night, I received an e-mail from a young man from the Bahamas who I do not know (I hope he doesn't mind that I post the content of his e-mail here), telling me how much I have impacted his life and it just lifted my spirits all the way up.

"Jackie: You don't know who I am but when I was in high school in the Bahamas, I heard a story on the news about a student at Queen's College (high school in the Bahamas) who was an outstanding student as well as a gifted athlete. I thought that was unique and it inspired me to not only focus on being a good student but to be well rounded as well. When I graduated from high school, I was salutatorian and won the award for the most well rounded student in my class. I also ended up getting two scholarships that allowed me to be able to get a free college education. Without it I would not have been able to attend college. Being well rounded has helped me a lot in my life and has kept me balanced. Even though you haven't struck gold in the Olympics yet, as a Bahamian I am proud of your accomplishments and how your hard work and example has affected me. - Your Fellow Bahamian"

How could I possibly be sad after reading something like that? Anyway, I just wanted to say I'm doing OK and I'm DEFINITELY not ready to be counted out just yet!


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On a lighter, happier, more special note...today is also a day to celebrate "The Truth";-) and so I wanted to post a couple quotes that signify just how I feel.

"The truth is always exciting. Speak it, then. Life is dull without it." (So true...)
Pearl S. Buck

"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me the truth." (All day, every day, lol!)
Henry David Thoreau

HAVE AN AWESOME DAY!!!!!

BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!

SO TODAY's MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm not usually a big birthday person. I'm always just grateful to celebrate another year of being healthy and happy. This year is not that much different except that I'm feeling particularly good!

I flew back to LA about a week ago to take care of my foot and while it's still not 100%, perhaps I'm feeling good because my training is still going well. Perhaps it's because I got to see my family over the weekend. Perhaps it's because Easter Sunday service was AWESOME! Perhaps it's because my track season finally kicks off this weekend in NC. Perhaps it's because I have the love and support of my friends and family. I don't know what it is, but I feel good!

It's uncanny how many of my favourite people are born in April too! Some of us are Aries and some of us Taurus but either way, I love them all:-) I don't have any great plans for today - practice, of course and then maybe dinner with some friends later on. With friends, family, and The Truth;-)in my life, plus a healthy mind and spirit, what more could a girl ask for? Thanks to my blogger family too for all the supportive, interesting, insightful and fun comments throughout the year.

So here's to April 14th!!! Hope to see another one roll around next year!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JACKIE....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

So, it is April 14th and once again it is time for me to celebrate another birthday!! To be honest, I am not a huge birthday person. I don't usually make a big deal about it. I mean it's nice for my friends to acknowledge it, but I don't need a big production made. I'm not one of those women who fears getting older either. I see the beauty in embracing it. I'm just glad that another year has passed and I am still happy and healthy. What more can I really ask for???

Unfortunately, I will still have practice later today and it's Monday so that means it's going to be hard as heck. My coach Brooks shows no mercy...it's just like any other day, and so it should be!!

I already had a nice birthday dinner with my friend who treated me to a great meal. I always have fun when I'm with him. Man, I love the American black, LOL! (Inside joke.) Thanks a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed myself ;-) When you can spend time with your friends and the people that matter to you, then it's all good and today I will be surrounded by friends.

So thanks to you all for sharing the past few months with me and here's to all that lies ahead this year. Let life be great and grand and gratifying and let me be gracious, and giving and grateful!! Cheers!!