Sunday, September 28, 2008

Forty-five Days of Hiding are Over

Hello, my friend the Blog. I'm back. Only for a few minutes. I must confess, I've been hiding from you...from myself. Writing from the heart is difficult when the words hurt. Nothing's changed. My Dad, God bless him, is hanging on strong. My health is misleading. Physically, I'm good, that's what happens when you lose over forty pounds. Mentally, there are times when I feel I am slipping deeper into agoraphobia. Why? My nest is safe. Sam and Charlotte usually agree with me on most issues. Lauren and Patrick are gone. I'm running out of money. Computers are an escape. CNBC is fascinating. My life is on hold. You have said it before, Blog, I am a big chicken.
Well an event caused some change this weekend. Paul Newman died. To me, Paul Newman was as much a Saint as John Wooden is. Men of character. They don't make them anymore. Two men who have lived life to it's fullest with principles and values. When I leave, some will say the same about me. But I know how much more I could have accomplished. I know what is in the heart. And, Blog baby, you do to.
I want to do what is right, not what others say is great. Think about that. It's the difference between true peace with happiness and the constant pursuit of worthlessness. Newman and Wooden, God love 'em.
Time to hit second gear. Much good has occurred in this interim period. Running has returned to it's proper priority. Travel with my crazy friend Wesley included Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. Lauren received her college degree. Patrick, I am fearing, is becoming lost at the University of Iowa. I continue to prepare myself to be an orphan by kindling old friendships and focusing on my friends. Sorry, quick interruption here. Paul Newman's daughters said his best roles were his love of family and charity. Words to remember.
Third gear, I'm getting ready for my first race of 2008. The Grand Rapids, MI, half-marathon on October 19th. I'm trying to prepare for a personal best at the distance which is 2:25:10. Running is like golf, an activity for a life-time. You can improve as years slip past. Right now the line on the record is even, just not sure if I can hold on to an eleven minute pace for thirteen miles. But I'm looking forward to the challenge and, either way, I will enjoy the weekend in Michigan.
Time to close, it's an early morning run calling. A chance to go outside without fear. Take it and RUN. Over, Ricky.