A Passion for Running

Welcome to the home of Mark aka The Running Blogfather – a 40 year-old dad, husband and marathon runner who's beaten injury and is on the comeback trail!

a lot of shit happens

passion for running category: nothing to do with running on Thursday, July 24 2008

Where have I been? Why have I not been posting? Those are two fully loaded questions.

As I mentioned in previous posts, I was trying to solve some health problems. I thought I’d figured things out but, it turns out, I didn’t have all the answers – even though I’m closer now.

Frankly, alternating between , “I’m back!” and “I’m not back” became frustrating, tiresome and overly dramatic. Add the fact that the health problems I was having were physically tiring meant that I had little energy for blogging (or much else for that matter).

But, as I would soon find out, my health problems would be the least of what I would have to face. That’s because last Thursday, July 17th, I learned that my six year old son Christopher, has Type 1 Diabetes. Folks, this is as serious as it gets. Christopher was extremely ill and had lost a frightening amount of weight. To clear up any confusion, type 1 diabetes is not lifestyle related – it is the outcome of the body rejecting the cells that create insulin and help the body absorb fuel (sugar).

Christopher is doing well now, but he has a lifetime of insulin injections, and meticulous diet management ahead of him. We’re relieved, but we also have a lot of angst over the road ahead. I’m tired and eagerly anticipating my second wind. I know some people – like Nancy – will relate to my angst.

I’d like to apologize to a lot of people. First, to all the people who help out at CRN. I’ve abandoned you, and I’m truly sorry. Second, I’d like to apologize to those comments I have not responded to. I hope you will understand. Third, I’d like to apologize for all the unanswered emails. My inbox is now at over 1200 unread emails (completerunning is quite demanding). If you’re in there, I’m working on getting to you.

I’d especially like to apologize to my coach and friend Andrew, from Downeast Running. Andrew, I feel I have let you down. I have not responded to two of your emails. I hope you can now understand why, and that I have thought of you often.

I’d like to thank two bloggers for holding things together. Jeanne and Nora, I love you guys. I don’t know what I’d have done without you. Thank you. There are other bloggers I should also mention and thank, but I’ve got little time to write this post. Please know that I appreciate your support. Thank you for hanging in there with me.




15 Comments »

Comment by mia

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

Oh, dear. It must be a huge relief to have a name and a plan. I can’t imagine how hard this has been for you and your family. Hugs all around. And I TOTALLY know what you mean about the drama and just wanting to deal. xoxo Mia

Comment by 21stCenturyMom

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

So sorry to hear about your little guy’s diabetes. Very scary stuff but thank goodness for modern medicine. I’ve had many a friend who have spent their lives managing diet and daily insulin injections and their lives have been good. Not as easy as others but good – very good.

No apologies needed, really.

Hugs to you and your family.

Comment by Andrew Seeley

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

No apologies needed here Mark. May God bless you and keep you and your family. I am here for anything – just ask.

So good to hear from you again.

Comment by Adeel

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

I just thought to read your blog today because I hadn’t checked it in a while. My prayers are with you and your family Mark. All the best, and stay in touch.

Comment by Juls

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

I am glad that you now have answers, and I hope that you have the support to help you through the learning needed to deal with this life change. XOX

Comment by Ben

Thursday July 24, 2008 @

Mark, so sorry to hear about Christopher, my thoughts are with you. If there is every anything I can do just ask. Thinking about you, buddy.

Comment by Thomas

Friday July 25, 2008 @

I’m so sorry to hear about Christopher. I figured out that something serious must be afoot for your long absence both from CRN and this blog, but that’s even worse than expected.

I hope you, and especially your son, are coping well. I’m pretty sure that exercise can help controlling diabetes, but I presume by now you know a lot more about that illness than most people.

Comment by Marcus

Friday July 25, 2008 @

Sounds like scary times, indeed. Good thoughts for you and your family. For what it’s worth, I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for 24 years now, without a single complication. It takes daily attention, but today a “successful diabetic lifestyle” has become the norm, rather than the exception. Good luck!

Comment by Vanilla

Friday July 25, 2008 @

Mark, I’m so sorry to hear about Christopher, I can’t even imagine what you went/are going through. No apologies necessary and if you come across any e-mails from me in your inbox, save yourself some time and just delete them. I’m quite certain that none of them were important. ;)

Comment by Laura

Friday July 25, 2008 @

Sometimes it is sooooo hard to understand why we are given tests like these. One thing I have learned through mine, is that strength and love, and somehow gratitude for what could have been worse, is what gets you past the darkness of the times, and into the light of tomorrow.

Comment by darrell

Friday July 25, 2008 @

Good to see you’re still out there. All the best, good thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Comment by Susan

Saturday July 26, 2008 @

Hang in there Mark. Our thoughts are with you.

Comment by Nora

Thursday July 31, 2008 @

You’re welcome! It’s no problem.

I am a firm believer that the unexpected- good or bad- brings us to wonderful things we would have otherwise never encountered. You guys will have a bumpy road in places, but I believe you have the strength to ride it, and to ride it well. I hope things continue to look up for you guys!

Comment by Beverly

Saturday August 02, 2008 @

Our prayers are with you guys … not just for Christopher’s health and well-being, but that every day gets more and more manageable.

Comment by Jesse Bastide

Friday April 23, 2010 @

Have you checked out the latest issue of Scientific American? There’s an article on the alarming rise of Type 1 diabetes in young kids — it’s an interesting read and a non-standard take on the etiology of the disease.

Stay strong and all the best to you and your family!

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