I want to share with you an inspirational story.
Yesterday, my oldest brother became one of my heroes. He is a husband, a father of three, works full time, oh, and in his spare time, he trains and participates in triathlons. Two years ago, he wowed us all after completing his first full ironman in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. To make the accomplishment that much greater, he finished in 11 hours and 37 minutes. (For all of you who are not impressed for lack of knowledge in this arena... be impressed). I was sure that this was just the start of great finishes, with the Kona Coast no longer a dream. He would make it his reality.
A little over a year ago, however, there was a change in the momentum. A routine blood test revealed elevated levels for two enzymes in his liver. What exactly does that mean? The quick medical answer is that somewhere down the road, present or past, the liver was getting damaged. Over a year of weekly blood tests followed, a liver biopsy, and more than I can even recount. But how did this affect the person? His training was cut, races were cancelled, and his passion was put on hold.
Cut to Sunday, June 24, 2007. Given a clean bill of health, normal enzyme levels (with the occasional spikes which caused us all to fear a relapse), and a race three months prior where a personal best left us all in amazement, he was set to complete his second full distance ironman triathlon. He returned to Coeur D'Alene. I can only imagine the thoughts running through his head. I imagine he was thinking about last year, when at the last minute he pulled out of the competition and was introduced to the position of spectator. I can only imagine those thoughts were going through his head, because they were going through mine.
I kept myself constantly updated on the status of the race by telephone and internet. And as the times were posted for each segment of the race, I knew this would be a special day. Not only was he participating in something that only a year ago he didn't know if he would ever participate in again... He was KICKING ASS!!!
Let me sum it up for you:
- Total time= 10 hours 22 minutes (I've been known to sleep for that many consecutive hours... not exercise)
- He finished 79th out of over 2600 people
- He finished 18th out of the 344 people in his age group (the most difficult age group)*
But those are just the numbers. Think of the determination he has, which no one can measure using a time clock. I can't think of one instance in my life which has challenged me the way he has been challenged. But if that should ever change, I hope I have the strength, the drive, and the heart to persevere like my brother did.
Steve, you are awesome. I cannot begin to express with words how proud I am of you. You are such an amazing example of just how tough the human spirit can be. I wish I could have been there to hug you as you crossed that finish line. I will definitely be there for the next one.
To any of you going through tough times or know someone in need of encouragement, tell them this story. We all need a hero to look up to.
*Exact age kept secret as he is still my older brother and can still kick my butt. Plus, given the fact that he ran 26 miles yesterday, I don't think I can out-run him, even with his legs being tired.
6 comments:
Ryann and Steve
Great job Ryann. Ellen and I had the privilege of being in Coeur d alene to watch the event and Steve's conquest first hand and to watch your kids cheer "go Daddy" whenever you went by.
Steve you made it look so easy but witnessing you and the other champions in the medical area following the race gives one a good view of how taxing it is on ones body
On the plane from Seattle to San Jose yesterday I had ironmen all around me and of course they had to hear about your performance. A tribute to those who do these things - they all enthusiastically said something like outstanding!! no signs of jealousy just appreciation for a fellow ironmans accomplishment.
love Dad
I have to tell you that all day Sunday, there were tears--tears of joy, pride, happiness and any other emotion you can fit in-between...I am so glad that we were there to experience it all...it is a memory Ron and I will treasure forever...
I was on a different plane on Sunday coming back to Fallbrook and those ironmen heard the same story and all said the same thing as on Ron's plane...what comraderie
love Mom
Thanks, Ryann, Dad, and Mom, for the kind words now and the support and strength in the past. I wrote a message to my tri-club teammates the day before the race, saying that, whatever the day would ultimately hold for us, we would be flying to journey's end on wings that our friends and family had provided. No ironman reaches the finish line alone, and I feel privileged to have your shoulders to stand on.
What I really want to know, though, is who's gonna pay for a new keyboard, now that mine's all wet?? :)
Oh, and by the way, about being there to hug me at the end. Remember what your answer was when I asked you once if you'd ever want to do an ironman? Let's just say that you might not want to get too close, as there are certain, ahem, sacrifices that you make to get to 10:22. :)
Steve, do you care to be specific for Ryann's sake...she might think you mean "st... in the pink" :):):)
love Mom
Good post.
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