Mission Possible -- Badwater

Three Smart Women

A few minutes ago I went back and re-read two of my favorite posts on this blog. They were not posts that I had written...no, no...the people that wrote them were much smarter than I. Okay, I already know what you are thinking..."it doesn't take much brainpower to be smarter than you, Don".  Okay, I concede. The important point here is what was written...the message. For me, reading Heather's "The Gift" and Cheryl's "Thanksgiving" really made me stop and think, even after reading them for 2nd, 3rd and 4th times. They are both that good. I'd suggest you doing the same.

I'm not going to mention the fact that the two pieces were written by women...after all, I'm a man and proud of it. However, while we are on the subject of women, and writing, I'll give you something from another brilliant woman, Eleanor Roosevelt: "We gain strength and courage and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face...We must do that which we think we cannot". Very nice, Eleanor !

I read this shortly after Paul Sibley had abandoned his quest for the Trevor 160, due to some very serious physical issues. I can assure you that Paul gained incredible strength, courage and confidence by looking fear in the face. The important thing here is that Paul had the strength, courage and confidence to attempt something very difficult. I'm very proud of Paul and I certainly learned something by watching him.

While we are on the subject of "looking fear in the face", maybe you can help me with a fear that I have: The fear that I will not be able to convey the gratitude that I have in my heart and soul to all of the many people that have done so much to support me during my fight with cancer..."for your thoughts, your prayers, your laughter and your tears" (to quote Heather). Seriously, this is a tough one for me. Maybe if I had been born a woman (a smart one) it would be a lot easier to accomplish this? Anyway, I need your help here...any suggestions? I just want everybody who supported me during all this to know how much difference it made...how much easier it was to tolerate...having such wonderful support. I can certainly use your help here...and it's not limited to the women out there. Help !  Don

Paul Sibley's 160 Mile Cancer Awareness Run

Hi Friends !

It's a very exciting time for me this morning as my good friend and fellow cancer survivor Paul Sibley will be doing an epic run for cancer awareness called the Trevor 160 Challenge. The run is also to raise funds for a 6 year old Louisiana boy, Trevor, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Paul has taken on a very difficult task, with the run starting with the Oahu Perimeter run route, 135 miles around the perimeter of the island and with only a few hours rest, finishing with the 26.2 mile Honolulu Marathon. I'm honored to be running a few miles with Paul, for support. Paul will begin this at 10:00 am this morning (Friday).  Go Paul !!  Don

The Gift

The Big C.

Scary, unnerving, sometimes even earth shattering. It's amazing that a gift so large can be bundled in a package so ugly. So much of life though is like that. Circumstances that at first seem tragic, can bring us our greatest achievements, or our greatest lessons, or in this case, our greatest love.

It has been a true joy to see this package unwrapped. What could have been a lonely and painful road, has opened up to an incredible journey of support, care and a countless number of selfless acts. To see Don blessed with this overwhelming outpouring has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Most of us go through life without really knowing how much we mean to those we work live and play with, but Lifes gift to Don, was to allow him to see the impact his life has had, and how many people he has touched. In turn, Don's gift to us, was to show us what courage, strength and humility really are, and your gift to him, was of course your love and sharing. So this one ugly little box contained within it something for all of us.

Thank you all for everything you have done. For your thoughts and prayers, your laughter and your tears. What a journey this has been and what a wonderful road lies ahead.

Take care of yourselves and revel in each day and each gift you are given.

Love to All,

Heather

Don's Team - Egypt Style

  It looks like Eberhard, Nina and Dean took Egypt by storm. These photos are from the Sahara stage race that took place recently. Nina came in 1st place woman and 6th overall, Dean was 2nd overall, and Eberhard was second in his age group and 28th overall. Quite a showing for these wonderful folks.  Congrats !!!! The longest stage was a 100K leg in deep sand that Eberhard dedicated to Don. What a tribute that was. Thank you all for your amazing support. Go Team !