Let's not forget that our country is still at war...Part Deux

The current word on Steve is that he is in outprocessing. The Army has seen fit to deem him medically unacceptable for deployment. His 500 day tour in Iraq is coming to a close before it even starts. Everyone is ready to do their little happy dance but we are trying to hold off until he is actually out and home with his family.

Cross your fingers...

Freedom

I had to run an errand for work this morning. As I was being shuttled to the Ford dealership to pick up our F-550, we stopped to pick up a breakfast burrito at a nice little breakfast shack (trailer really).

As I stood in the rain waiting for my burrito, I heard peals of laughter and children's voices coming from behind me. I turned to watch the kiddos riding their tiny bikes in circles in the church parking lot across the street. Laughing in the rain. I stood there grinning as it took me back.

Remember when we were growing up and your bike was a symbol of freedom for you? You could ride where ever you wanted to, it was faster than walking and you did not have to get a parent to drive you? I remember riding to the store, to school, to our friends down the road, to the stream and to the bog. Riding, even in just the driveway, was freedom.

And so I stood and watched these kids exercising their freedom in their world and I had a sudden epiphany. I still ride my bike, I still grin and laugh while pedaling, I still look to stretch the bounds of my personal freedom on two wheels.

I just ride in bigger circles.

One-Revolution

We all face challenges on a daily basis. I think of some of the small mountains I have had to surpass, that Hope has climbed, that my friends have passed over. Some things we focus on, some we feel are incredibly challenging. Some we never get past.

I received a package from an industry friend today filled with little goodies. A JetBoil, a nifty Sigg mug, a new belt from Mountain Khakis, some camping utensils and three rubber bracelets (One Life style) from One-Revolution. Of course, I looked at the JetBoil first, toys are always fun. I opened up the mug and realized it is a vacuum mug and will keep drinks hot for 6 hours. Then I put on the belt and played with the new fork, spoon and spatula. Last, I looked up One-Revolution.

It's safe to say now that I think the most valuable gift will be the bracelets. I don't see myself wearing them. But they have allowed Chris Waddell to, once again, raise my awareness. He went to school at Middlebury College a full 10 years before me. I knew of him while I was at Midd and his name has appeared in the years following graduation but I never really paid too much attention.

This is a guy who has overcome incredible adversity to remain at the top of his game in ski racing. C'mon, this guy captained the Middlebury ski team, a Division 1 team, during his senior year. As a paraplegic!

I am generally not overly awed by athletes. They do what they do and it can be incredible but not something that I would consider worthy of worship. What Chris has done is well beyond standard athletic prowess. He and a fellow named Eric Weihenmayer are worthy of that awe.

My 2 cents for the day? Wow.