The Challenge
My tech coach, Mynde Mayfield, put me on to this blog challenge–31 posts in 31 days. It is a challenge that was birthed by Gwen Bell and is called The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge.I’ve never done 31 blog posts in 31 days–but I’m game. This challenge is interesting to me for two reasons. It will help me improve my writing skills on many levels. And it creates a natural vehicle to remind me of all the grateful moments of 2009. It’s a natural win/win!
Since I just found out today, December 2. I have December 1 and 2 to write today. Are you ready? Oh, I am cranked!
My Best Trip of 2009
I got the privilege of traveling to Japan to be with my son, Bill Baker. He is stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base where he serves as an officer on the USS Shiloh. He has served the United States for 20 years. Hit the pause button…I have to take one of those proud Mom moments!
Bill had just experienced a tragically painful year. He could have turtled–emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Did he? No. And I am grateful. Instead he chose to run his very first marathon. March 22, the day after his 41st birthday, he ran the Tokyo Marathon with 35,000 other folks! 
He was amazing, amazing, amazing! He predicted his time within 5 minutes. Isn’t this photo to die for? Silly, tenacious and awesome son + proud mom = a once in a lifetime moment!
I came to visit for three weeks. I was able to be with Bill three and a half days. Bill’s ship was called out to sea due to world conditions. I knew that could happen before going there. I was grateful for every single second I enjoyed with him.
Japan is cool. Bill is way cooler. I came home early–and it was the best trip of 2009…or maybe in a lifetime.
Things don’t always turn out the way we want them to. That’s life.
Grateful for Bill. Grateful for you. Grateful for 1 or 31 posts. Hang in there with me–more to come!
Blessings!
