Wealth of Water

The Plunge

On the 3rd Saturday of the month, my 2nd daughter got baptized. Her big sister was excited for the plunge and is simply excited about everything. Our youngest was poised while our eldest was our babbling brook. The Saint Michael's priest was experienced in baptizing our offspring. His humorous and honest approach to the baptism was greatly appreciated. This sacrament was jammed into a busy night for him. His evening schedule was in harmony with our life - a blessed bonanza. 

The Swim 

Twice a week, my 2-year-old enters the Johnstown YWCA pool and gets 30 minutes of water work in. She has a strong support team of women: mom, grandma, and two swimming instructors. She has always loved the water and her aquatic skills are improving each session. I sometimes watch through the glass above. In this Dad perch, I am thankful for the women helping my ambitious daughter. The YWCA's slogan "empowering women" is visible.

The Flood

Each year, I participate in the 5K event of The Path of the Flood Historic Races. The 2017 edition had rain soaked runners tearing through the city. The Johnstown Area Heritage Association has built this annual event into a celebration of our region. Prior to the race, I walked toward the entrance of the trail in East Conemaugh. There is a plaque that summarizes what happened on May 31, 1889. Pictures show the aftermath and the power of that water.

Event organizers have flipped a historic tragedy into a healthy dedication. As I looked at that plaque, I took pride in being a Johnstown resident; proud of the generations before me who survived and ultimately prospered. My grandparents raised a family in Conemaugh. My Pap loved to walk around town. Now, I run through Johnstown grateful for the family he led and loved.

The Point 

Water links these three separate experiences. It symbolized the beginning of my daughter's spiritual life. It has given my other daughter an opportunity to release her seemingly endless energy. It fell upon me as I crossed the finish line.

Water will always be a tragic part of Johnstown history. It can be a triumphant part of our future.

Our Path As Parents

"We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land"


Every weekend is an adventure. Mother's Day weekend was no exception. "Hand in hand" takes on so many meanings when the hands you hold are of a two-year-old and an infant who has no true control of her arms. As parents, we held on and tried our best to stay in control. This is what happened:


Johnstown Christian 5000 Run 

My two-year-old and I are in the midst of a stroller run circuit. This was our third 3.1 mile trek of the season. The Johnstown Christian course is not exactly what one would call "stroller friendly". The first mile is an uphill monster. I was warned of this geographic challenge prior to the race. As an ambitious father, I was not backing down. My lower back paid the price.

We got a lot of moral support on this cool and misty Saturday morning. My daughter was stoic on the ascent and descent of this race. She had a veteran's disposition and she reminded me that I promised her a lollipop once we crossed the finish line. The finish was through grass and mud. It took Dad strength to power that stroller through the muck. My calves burned and the crowd cheered. The lollipop hunt was upon us.

She got her lollipop, a ribbon, and of course, glory. The race was part of the Johnstown Christian Arts and Crafts Festival. We enjoyed the post-race festivities and added a craft to our take-home-gifts. A sincere thank you to those who organized the run; to the vendors who set up shop; to the volunteers who made the event fun and safe for all.

That hill is a beast.

Rec the Alleghenies

While my 5K superstar took a nap at her grandparents' house, the rest of our crew headed to Greenhouse Park. Rec the Alleghenies was an exploration expo. A variety of recreational groups covered the grounds and shined a light on our region's outdoor riches. As an OutdoorsDad, I hope more and more people recognize our community's outdoor opportunities. The Johnstown Marathon is coming back. The whitewater of the Stonycreek awaits the adventurous or get some R&R on the river via Coal Tubin.

My wife and I marveled over a brave soul doing flips in some sort of water vessel. I think it was a hybrid kayak. With my two-month-old strapped to me, I watched from a safe distance. I am the OutdoorsDad. This guy is an extreme athlete.

I am glad the the Johnstown Marathon is returning this October with a new route.  I watched men dressed in medieval garb throw axes at targets. There was horseback riding. There was me holding that two-month-old; staying safe and still feeling the burn in my calves.

Great job to the Rec the Alleghenies organizers. Now, it is up to the community to get out there and pick an adventure.

Church

Six o'clock church at Saint Michael's that Saturday evening might have been the day's most extreme event. My two-year-old treats pews like whitewater. My two-month-old had a mid-mass milk craving. Neither understands "whisper".

We survived. God bless us.

Cafe Sunday

By 9:00 a.m. on Mother's Day, our foursome ate breakfast, showered or bathed, piled in the Subaru and made it to Mill House Cafe. It was another victory. We gave praise and I tried to count my blessings while the word "whisper" was still incredibly ineffective. I am blessed with an incredible wife. I am blessed with two beautiful daughters. My mom is and  always has been an important part of my life.

I'll keep holding on to the hands that mean the most. My faith and my community continue to be full of good news to spread.

In two weeks, I will be at the starting line for the Path of the Flood 5K. Later that day, I will be a part of the Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership's 4th Annual Taste and Tour.

Get out and enjoy Johnstown.

Inspiration of All Ages

Two Johnstown residents, separated by 70+ years, gave me a boost this past week. One is recovering from a fall. The other seems determined to keep climbing.

When I heard that my wife's grandmother severely injured her shoulder, my immediate thought was she could still enjoy the Golf Channel, gobs, and her grandchildren. This triple threats of "Gs" would help her on the road to recovery. And another "G" - God - has been her guiding light all the years I have known her.

And while Gram stayed positive yet frustratingly immobile, my 8-year-old goddaughter had a spirited burst at Our Mother of Sorrows' Service Saturday. This monthly event provides parishioners with an opportunity to make a difference in the community through a variety of projects. My contribution was leading a team of youngsters into Stackhouse Park. Our mission - pick up litter and clear the forest for the chipmunks and squirrels. My goddaughter is an ambitious animal.

With a smile on her face, she traveled far and wide for trash. She found a bucket and used it as her garbage can. She filled it up and dumped it in the bag I hauled up and down the park. During our mission, she talked about school, family, vacation, and planning - this girl loves to plan. When she discovered two tennis balls, she did not view them as garbage. They were gifts for the neighbor dog.

We walked and talked at least three miles that morning. Every step of the way she was positive and passionate about getting the job done. Without her, I would not have tackled some of the terrain. With her, I was proud to be a godfather.

Getting old and growing up is not easy. As Gram works to get shoulder rotation, my goddaughter revolves in her own little world. While they have separate challenges ahead, they are linked by a hopeful and humorous attitude. Some smiles are unbreakable.

Thank you Gram and goddaughter. Keep smiling. Keep working. Keep making Johnstown a better place.