I run for weight control, a stronger cardiovascular system, reduce stress, stave
off osteoporosis, socialize with other runners once or twice a week, view
flowers (both cultured in gardens and wildflowers), smell the flowers (lilacs
are in full bloom in New Hampshire now), see wildlife, gaze at scantily clad
beautiful young women, and increase my self esteem.

I pay a price for my running. Days like today I struggle up hills into the wind
and my body begs me to stop and walk. Some days I strain or pull a muscle. Other
days I sprain a ligament. Often I have a moderate to severe migraine and I
suffer for the entire run.

When I'm not running my seven year old cat entices me to play with her. I manage
a half hour when we both are in the mood. During the past year an 11 year old
great grandson of my neighbors wants to play catch with me. I have fun and he
does too. Other neighbors ask me if I'm trying to imitate Tom Brady or Randy
Moss. I was never good at throwing passes (hands to small to properly grip a
football), but I was fairly good at catching passes.

I have read lots of books about what Cancer Survivors to do to stay healthy and
several of them have suggested laughter as good for us. I have never read
anything that claims we should play to have fun and feel good about our lives.
Am I wrong to play or am I just missing something (like sanity)?

Shalom,
Chuck