Day 697 - Getting stronger physically

     Let me start by saying Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.  I could take up this whole blog bragging on my mom and Cristy for all they do for us.  All I can really do is hopefully show them daily how much they mean to us and how pitiful I'd personally be without them.  As most people know I'm just a big kid, so don't let my advanced age fool you into thinking I'm a grownup.  Meanwhile these wonderful women have to continually show us the way and how to be better men.  Thanks again for all you do Cristy and Mom (and Holly)!

A day out with the Pruitt ladies

Mother's Day lunch with the whole family

     

It's been busier than normal for us over the last few weekends.  Over the last three weeks we've participated in a couple of fundraiser walks and wrapped up our cardio-ways this past weekend at the Inflatable Run at Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field).  Before we get into those details let's cover Evan's medical updates.

Opening day for Avengers Infinity War

     This coming week Evan has his monthly chemo appointment at the clinic and he's also meeting with his orthopedic surgeon another day this week.  Cristy and I are unsure if they're just going to give him a once over or try to take x-rays to check for bone growth.  Other than a little flat footed walking he's doing well.  It's night and day different, even from six months ago.  As usual I'm anxious to get Evan's count and see if any additional bone growth has occurred.  Since changing Evan's dosages of 6MP to dinner time he hasn't vomited nearly as often.

At a Camp Aurora event at Lucky's in Roswell

     On April 29th the family and some friends took part in Cure's Lauren's Run.  Because this race is a bit more "official" from a runner's standpoint Cristy and I opted for the 2K.  Navigating a double-stroller is difficult enough in a casual 5K and I didn't want the stress of running it into someone actually competing.  After the race the kids were able to enjoy themselves at some of the activities and booths setup.  The following weekend we participated in the Make-A-Wish 5K at Stone Mountain with a couple of friends.  It too was a lot of fun, but seemed to thin out pretty shortly after the race concluded.  Nevertheless, we played and took advantage of the entertainment opportunities.  

     Which brings us to this past weekend.  We took the boys to the Inflatable Run at Georgia State Stadium.  This was basically a 1 mile course at the former grounds of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, that you run three times to equal a 5K.  It was a hot day so I knew getting the kids excited to complete the whole thing would be tough.  Despite my reservations we left the stroller at home.  I'm extremely proud to report that Evan completed his first 5K all by himself (and Nolan did great too).

Getting ready for the water sponge fight

     On our first lap we couldn't have been more than a quarter of the way in and Evan wanted to stop.  I had to resort to my dad voice to keep him moving early on.  As we continued to walk I listened to him and offered up my insight into getting through the race.  I told him I was amazed that someone so mentally strong could want to give up so quickly, preventing him from getting physically strong.  He offered up an excuse of being in the hospital bedridden for two months and the fact that he had four surgeries performed on his leg.  It really was a compelling argument had it come from anyone other than one of two people I am trying to mold into a young man.  I told him that that was the reason he had to work harder than others and that he shouldn't rely on the sympathy of others.

Make-A-Wish activities area post-race

     I wish I could say that those words alone motivated him to push through the aches and tired muscles, but that wasn't the case (I ended up bribing him with video game time later).  What I can tell you is his whole mindset began to change as we continued to talk about how far he's come.  In reality it is probably the only time I've ever heard him verbally acknowledge some of his challenges.  I was so proud of him at the end and I made sure to recognize his accomplishment.  We grabbed a bite to eat with Nolan, while Cristy and another friend continued walking.  He never acted tired the rest of the day and I'm glad that he pushed himself to complete a race that he ultimately really enjoyed because of all the slides and obstacles.  I hope that he remembers that day and the next time he's faced with adversity he does what we've always done throughout our journey; take it one step at a time.

Road sign at MaW 5K

Placard at MaW 5K tent