Saturday, August 16, 2008

Olympic Inspiration

"HOW INSPIRING!" That was my comment after recently reading about some of the Olympic athletes. Yes, athletes are talented and no doubt, 'gifted' individuals. And they are often given preferential treatment with plenty of 'perks'. But they are also gutsy, disciplined, and very determined individuals.

I remember several years ago meeting Greg Louganis when he was preparing to dive (again) in 1988 games at Seoul, Korea. The US Dive Team was training the last few weeks in our area of South Florida. There was a mechanical issue with the diving pool and half the water drained out in one night. As a Driver Engineer with the local fire department, the following morning I was called upon to refill the pool with a fire pump. I remember apologizing for the color of the water - as it was not exactly the normal 'crystal blue'. Against the pure white Marcite of the pool bottom, this water looked something like weak coffee. As I apologized Greg just chuckled and said, "That's OK, its probably about the color of the water we will dive into in Seoul." I thought, "Now that's a professional."

But that's not what really 'got' me. The fact is that these American icons of success were out "at the crack of dawn" training every morning ... and training HARD. These 'famous' people who seem to be on top of the world with wealth and power were not laying up in the bed at 6am. They were out giving it all they've got! When most are hitting the 'snooze button' for the second time, these folks were already spending every ounce of energy to build just a little more muscle, or refine one more minute detail of technique. They were determined to be the very best they could be.

The moral of this little story is, "success usually comes at a great price." Inspiration from others only helps us realize possibilities. Determination and a will to strive for improvement is what will move us toward success in life. I am reminded of a great Biblical character whom said, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" (Nehemiah) A more modern character said it this way, "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." -Tommy Lasorda

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Its Hard To Believe















Its hard to believe I will never again go back to this haven in the Virginia mountains . Josey's mother, Helen died in February and her house was sold last month. The last of her furniture is being moved out this week - and that makes it final.

I always cherished our visits with her, and I absolutely LOVED hanging out a her place ... nestled in the most beautiful valley I have ever seen. The natural beauty was something to behold. And it was a very peaceful place. Though she only lived there 8 years (I think), I will always have pleasant thoughts about the times we visited there.

Helen lived in a few other places - all of them reflecting her keen eye for decorating. And they were all in great locations. But there was something very special about the mountain cabin. I remember conversing with Jos about 'why' her mother might want to move to "the middle of nowhere" to live by herself. We were perplexed by the decision ... that is, until we spent some time there.

I don't know what 'exactly' it is about this particular place that evokes powerful feelings in me. I know the view of majestic mountains so near always stirred my soul. But maybe its not REALLY about the place at all. I think 'maybe' its about the strength of the woman whom chose that spot to live out her last few years. Her bravery to face her own mortality was quite remarkable. Helen, YOU WERE TRULY AMAZING!