Thanks for bothering with a Friday newsletter even though you had every reason to skip the day. Wishing both your loved one and your son all the best in their respective post-op recoveries.
You made me think of my son, who's five and routinely amazes me/breaks my heart with his capacity for both resilience and empathy. Kids are a wonder, bless them (non-denominationally, of course).
Thanks for sharing. I also came back to running this summer facing a similar type of situation. It has and continues to be a real salve when things get a little too tough (never mind the pandemic which adds to the level of medical stress I know you are already feeling). Also, as a father to a son who has broken 5-6 bones in his short life, I can tell you that kids are tough and adapt well. Also, when you can (and I can't stress this enough) - WATERPROOF CAST. It will make your life (and your son and wife's life) slightly easier.
Sending positive vibes your way. I’m a pediatric surgeon, and I have been amazed (often moved to tears) by how resilient kids AND their families are in the face of mountains of adversity. It also helps us to stay in it when we know our family/friends have our back. No doubt that’s true of your son & friend.
this really resonates. the running part is universal, but I think it's a particularly helpful mindset when applied to the rest of our lives and the relationships that are important. glad you worked through this and wrote it. Love to the fam
Sending positive thoughts to your son and your friend. If community is important to resilience, and I think it is, then here's hoping this one is having a positive effect.
You're a lot tougher than you know. And I have a whole slew of positive thoughts just itching to go out to you and your people. Hang in there, and don't ever forget the words you yourself wrote: "No matter how you’re feeling -- be it pleasure or pain -- it’s all going to change, so don’t get attached to either emotion." All the bad stuff goes away eventually. Much love and support.
We may not physically be in each other's lives, but I think that this community you're building can (and will) be just as supportive. Sometimes leaning on the support of relative strangers can be more uplifting than those closest to you. You expect it from them, not from us.
Your resilience is shared and returned from your family and community. Friends, parents, spouses, children and grandchildren each play a special role. You are not in this alone. Today’s post is an important contribution and timely in many ways. We are thinking of all of you!
Having been thrown off a horse more times than I care to admit... the oldest cliché in the book rings true. You absolutely have to get back on again. Even if you're crying and the nice lady offers to lead you around until you feel comfortable taking the reins back yourself, you get back on again. Your son is a trooper. Also f@&k cancer.
Hope your son is feeling better soon, Paul. And thoughts to your friend as well. I've got a friend who is in a similar spot but unfortunately, his mass isn't small enough to even undergo surgery yet. Perspective is an amazing thing and can truly make a difference in how you feel about yourself and how you interact with others.
Thanks for bothering with a Friday newsletter even though you had every reason to skip the day. Wishing both your loved one and your son all the best in their respective post-op recoveries.
You made me think of my son, who's five and routinely amazes me/breaks my heart with his capacity for both resilience and empathy. Kids are a wonder, bless them (non-denominationally, of course).
So freaking wonderful. Thanks so much for the kind thoughts.
Thanks for sharing. I also came back to running this summer facing a similar type of situation. It has and continues to be a real salve when things get a little too tough (never mind the pandemic which adds to the level of medical stress I know you are already feeling). Also, as a father to a son who has broken 5-6 bones in his short life, I can tell you that kids are tough and adapt well. Also, when you can (and I can't stress this enough) - WATERPROOF CAST. It will make your life (and your son and wife's life) slightly easier.
Huge, thanks so much for the kind words.
great post - your son and friend are lucky to have someone with your mentality close by for when things get difficult!
Appreciate that, thank you.
Sending positive vibes your way. I’m a pediatric surgeon, and I have been amazed (often moved to tears) by how resilient kids AND their families are in the face of mountains of adversity. It also helps us to stay in it when we know our family/friends have our back. No doubt that’s true of your son & friend.
Thank you so much. He's a real trooper, gives us confidence.
this really resonates. the running part is universal, but I think it's a particularly helpful mindset when applied to the rest of our lives and the relationships that are important. glad you worked through this and wrote it. Love to the fam
Paul, I am sending all my positive thoughts to your friend and your son. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing.
Sending positive thoughts to your son and your friend. If community is important to resilience, and I think it is, then here's hoping this one is having a positive effect.
Sending good thoughts and positive energy your way.
You're a lot tougher than you know. And I have a whole slew of positive thoughts just itching to go out to you and your people. Hang in there, and don't ever forget the words you yourself wrote: "No matter how you’re feeling -- be it pleasure or pain -- it’s all going to change, so don’t get attached to either emotion." All the bad stuff goes away eventually. Much love and support.
Thanks so much Tracey. I knew I'd get a lift from this community.
We may not physically be in each other's lives, but I think that this community you're building can (and will) be just as supportive. Sometimes leaning on the support of relative strangers can be more uplifting than those closest to you. You expect it from them, not from us.
you're in my thoughts, paul. hang in there.
Thanks Hoon. Much appreciated.
btw, some dude started an entire blog about resilience, which is all about just keeping on moving even when/especially because you don't have all the answers: https://paulflannery.substack.com/p/long-distance-runner
Your resilience is shared and returned from your family and community. Friends, parents, spouses, children and grandchildren each play a special role. You are not in this alone. Today’s post is an important contribution and timely in many ways. We are thinking of all of you!
Thank you, Don. That's so appreciated.
Stay resilient man. It’s tough and I hope it gets better for you and your loved ones.
appreciate you
Having been thrown off a horse more times than I care to admit... the oldest cliché in the book rings true. You absolutely have to get back on again. Even if you're crying and the nice lady offers to lead you around until you feel comfortable taking the reins back yourself, you get back on again. Your son is a trooper. Also f@&k cancer.
He's already talking about getting back on! Thanks so much, appreciate you
Hope your son is feeling better soon, Paul. And thoughts to your friend as well. I've got a friend who is in a similar spot but unfortunately, his mass isn't small enough to even undergo surgery yet. Perspective is an amazing thing and can truly make a difference in how you feel about yourself and how you interact with others.
Ugh that's such a rough spot. My best to you and your friend. Thank you for the kind words.