'Run for Peace' down memory lane

I keep saying, 'it's for a very good cause.' However, the weather outside makes me want to turn over and grab one more blanket! Heck, I pop up and get ready for the 3rd annual Our Lady of Peace 'Run for Peace.'

It IS for a very good cause, Our Lady of Peace Elementary School. And maybe, just maybe, it will trigger me getting back up on the 'workout horse!'

However, as I start my jog, the run becomes so much more. Seeing old parishioners who have come back to support their grade school. One group of folks reminisce about coming back every Easter and touring the neighborhood, looking at their old house as well as the houses of their friends!

We start the race at old Chaloupka's Bakery. Every Halloween, in safer times when parents did not have to accompany their children, Chaloupka's gave out free candy--the fun kind! The candy dots on paper, the wax bottles of liquid, and the candy necklaces, just to name a few!

We pass St Luke's Hospital, where Mom had many a stints...

We pass Benedictine High School, where all of my uncles and cousins attended High School and then the old St. Benedict's. I played CYO softball and every afternoon, we had practice on the black hardtop behind St Benedict's because Mr. St. John, our coach, lived right across the street! I made some pretty good friends and found out I was not a bad softball player!

Oh the memories came rushing back during the entire run making this very intense workout seem like nothing. That won't happen again, no pain, no gain!

Kudos to Kate and Clark and EVERYONE who made this year's Run for Peace a complete success!

picture #1 Sam and Colleen

picture #2 Sara, the announcer, Colleen (Mary), and the gang

picture #3 John, top row 4th from left, little angel, and the gang
OLP Christmas Pageant December, 1990