Terror

Last night I was afraid to go to sleep. When it came time to say "goodnight" to my husband, he insisted that I take a night light to bed with me. A bright one. At first, I felt a little foolish taking it with me, but I soon felt more grateful than shameful.

I always joke about pulling the blankets up over my head, to ward off potential boogeymen, but there was no joking going on night before last. It was a night like most other before it. I read a bit of my book, and then settled in to meditate as I drifted off to sleep. I never expected that less than 2 hours later, I would be woken by my own screams and a terrified husband charging through the door.

It took me a long time to still the shaking in my hands, and settle back to sleep. My very patient and loving husband abandoned his video games to protect me from imagined terrors, and stayed close for the rest of the night. Poor guy had very little space to sleep in, because I wouldn't budge out of the middle of the bed all night. I have never been so frightened in my life.

From the age of 12 on, I spent much of my spare time reading or watching frightening stories. The supernatural fascinated, yet never became a reality to me. Night terrors make the supernatural come to life, and that is downright terrifying. At least this experience has taught me greater empathy for how to respond to my son when he wakes screaming from all the terrors of the night.

I was working on another blog post, but I put it aside for a couple days. It's called "Procrastination."

Challenge.....

.... accepted!

'Twas the anniversary of my nation's birthday that marked a milestone for me. On July 1st, I ran my first 5K since having my son. It was so worth the heat. Did I mention we were having record breaking temperatures that weekend? We, on the wet west coast, are not accustomed to temperatures anywhere near the mid to high 30's, but we went there on the weekend. Just in time for my poor, under-trained self to run like the wind. Okay, so the wind I was not, but I did fairly well.

My husband was a great coach, and a wonderful motivator. He refused to run ahead of me, and even insisted that I cross the finish line first. I do love him, so very much. When I wanted to walk, I was given exactly 1 minute.... but even then, if I seemed really tired he would let me go with a few extra seconds. It's what I needed to get me through it. I'm really very proud of myself, and plan on celebrating by registering for another 5K in September. Here's hoping the training goes better for that one!

The run ended up being for a great cause, with all proceeds going toward the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. I like good causes. Our friends were even sweet enough to register our little guy for the kids 1K, so he would have something fun to do while we were off sweating in the trees. My sister in law joined in the fun, by escorting the little man on his meanderings through the trails. I think everyone had a great time. I'd love to do it again next year.

It really was a wonderful weekend. Before race day, we went up for a couple of nights to visit the in-laws and my grandparents on the beautiful sunshine coast. L got to play on the "beach" beside my grandparents place, and enjoyed checking out his great auntie J's carvings in the shop. Big love for the owls and ducks!  We played pool with mother and father in law, with a meager (but well deserved) win for team McCrabbs (that would be myself and hubby). Apparently my father in law is really enjoying his retirement, and spends a great deal of time honing his billiard skills so he can put all us younguns in our place. Mother in law played with L, changed diapers, and gave us some time to shower and unwind. We thank you!

We need to do it more often. If I could live there, and harass my family every single day, I would. But, alas, they have to deal with harassment from afar. Love to you all.