I Never Walked Alone

At Mile 15 in last year's Bataan Memorial Death March, you came to walk beside me. I could see faint images of you on either side of me. The only sound, however, was that of my feet on the dusty rocky trail at White Sands Missile Range.

You only stayed a moment, but after you left, the bending bowing cactus and pinon accompanied me. They lined the road much as the Filipino women and children must have done over 70 years ago - trying to provide food and water.

I wanted pictures of you to take as a blessed remembrance, but (ironically) for me, had no camera.

This year, once again, as the soldiers left me, you appeared and I was able to capture your presence. Thank you for being there.

You Can't Stop Me Now

I'm trying, lord I'm trying . . . but Chicago's winter has wreaked havoc HAVOC I tell you, on my training schedule for this year's Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range in March.

This weekend was supposed to be an 18-mile training walk - hah! I'm so far behind that all I could manage was a somewhat sprightly (and it got less sprightly) 14-miler. Thankfully, there was mud, snow, and yuk to tramp through giving me the feeling that I was sort of training for the desert sand. Also thankfully, the Lakefront was clear of ice - that does not help in training at all.

I am grateful that this year, I'm not quite as fearful as I was last year when I had absolutely no experience with either the marathon-distance march or the desert. I feel like I may be on a roll and the days inch towards warmer weather, so hopefully all is not lost.