Friday, August 04, 2006

'Boomer Has Left the Party

Two quotes that I’ve read a long time ago hang in my mind today.

The first is “Silent gratitude isn’t very much use to anyone,” by Gertrude Stein.

Let me be silent no more.

Thank you to all in the ‘Boomer Nation for your comments and emails on my last post where I wrote about my glaucoma diagnosis. Your words of prayer, encouragement, advice and resources are sincerely appreciated. They are printed and taped to my bathroom mirror and read daily. They have lead me to become more informed about the disease, the treatments, and organizations specializing in eye health. I’m finally reading two books by Lance Armstrong that have been on my to-do list for years. Your words inspire me to keep training and stay positive. They remind me to remain faithful, prayerful, humble and diligent in following my doctor’s directions. Through you I know that I am not alone and feeling sorry for myself is a poor pastime. I know I am less about the condition of my sight and more about my relationships and the good I see and foster in others. I promise you; your words were not written in vain.

Thank you.

Looking beyond today I’m reminded of another quote. Lyndon B. Johnson said, “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose.” And, with those words I know there’s no better way for me to exit the one-man pity party than to…

...get my RACE on!

Yes, sir!

On Sunday I’ll race in the River Cities Sprint Triathlon in Shreveport, LA. This is one of those races that are just as much festival as they are triathlon. And, the course record is owned by none other than Lance Armstrong. How cool is that? Sort of has that 'halowed ground' feel to it.

Look out Armstrong! I might be behind you but I’m movin’ fast!

Stay tuned…

(91 days to my first Ironman)

12 comments:

Cliff said...

Have a blast this weekend :)

Pity Party..hmm..good way of looking at it..just been a runt in myself as well..job hunting and job situation ain't going anywhere..but the second quote is very true indeed.

Must win tommorrow.

:) said...

Man-o-man. I just read your last post and I am so sorry to chime in so late on this issue.

First, I am sorry you are going to have to go through this, but you will prevail.

Second, if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask. I am relatively close, so if you need someone to lean on, I am here.

I will be praying for you to have strength and that your eyes will get better. Let your family and friends help...it is what they are there for.

Thinking of you. Have a blast racing this weekend!

greyhound said...

WOOF! I was afraid from the title that this post was going to turn out differently. Tear it up and have a blast. Every day that any of us has in these healthy bodies is a blessing.

Donald said...

Way to bounce back. Have a great race!

jeanne said...

Go, man, go!

Vickie said...

Good luck. Glad you're back at it. You've got to keep going until you can't no more.

Barb said...

Give 'em h*ll Boomer! Show Lance how it's done! :)

Bolder said...

BOOYAH!

Liv said...

Those are some great quotations.

Have a fantastic race - look out, Lance!

Neese said...

aw i just discovered your blog and read your last post, i too am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, i'm sending my positive vibes your way that the meds will help and it will get better....

SRR said...

You will kick Lance's ass...Perhaps you need some visualizations to help you?!

Coco said...

I just caught up on your blog. Booyah to you for both giving yourself time to write what you want and for racing no matter what. My prayers are with you mr. boomer. You are strong and God is strongest.