Thursday: 
I met with co-workers for a team building retreat at Jefferson Memorial Forest.  We participated in problem solving challenges such as: Radioactive Egg, Spider, Minefield, Traffic Jam and Balance.

How many F’s can you find?

The facilitator let us chose a card to describe our group and we selected pieces of a puzzle coming together.

Later that day, I had to switch gears and visit St.Joe’s Children’s Home.  It would be my 2nd time meeting my next long term foster child placement.  This sign caught my eye in the reception area:

This young lady has done some local 5Ks such as Throo the Zoo and For the L of it.  It goes to show how we move through life and never know how people or events can link back together.

In addition to bonding with my next placement, I have been providing two weeks of respite care for a vivacious 12 yr old.  I consider “J” as family.  She is so easy to get along with and calls my parents Nana and Papaw. 

It’s been a team effort to channel her energy into structured activities with my work and training schedule.  Her request for 4th of July was going to the park and out to eat.  Wishes granted.

Friday:

“J” walked up the ramp of the Big 4 Bridge and was leary about the safety of crossing towards Indiana.  She overcame her fears and completed the walk.

We visited the replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial and other Vietnam War artifacts on the Great Lawn.  “J” couldn’t wait to tell my Dad what she saw.

Next, I received a call that my nephew Pharrell was in town for a month long visit.  I treated everyone to turkey ribs at this place called Shack In The Back in Fairdale.  I highly recommend this healthy and tasty alternative to pork ribs.  The all white meat is actually a shoulder cut, not a rib bone.

The night ended with fireworks and thoughts of my Saturday long run.

Saturday:

The running group was scattered with individual holiday needs so I decided to run solo dolo.  I looped the hills of Cherokee Park four times with a half mile detour to get my full 10 miles.  I averaged an 8:24 pace.

I tried raisins as a natural fuel and I learned this will not work for a full marathon based on the following:

#1. The time it takes to chew.
#2.  The skins getting stuck in my teeth and being a distraction.
#3.  The amount of water to wash them down.

One thing that is working for me is consistency with vegetable juicing.   The extra veggie intake is quickening my recovery time. 

Sunday:

We jump started our day with a visit to “J’s” home church so she could interact with her family.  Afterwards, we made another hike across the bridge and stopped at the Abe Lincoln statue. 

Next, we took a dip in the pool, and ended the weekend with a Bats vs. Toledo Hens game.  “J” took the cutest photos, but to protect her privacy she will keep for personal use. 

The take away from these last few days can be summarized by the pastor’s sermon  of comparing life to a jig saw puzzle:

●  It takes time and patience.
●  Start with the border and set boundaries.
●  It’s OK to take a break when you get frustrated.
●  If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it.

“J” will return to her permanent foster family in a few days and I will surely miss her until they need respite again.

For now, I can enjoy the completion of another puzzle and look forward to the next!

💕 KelsieLou💕