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.