Friday, August 31, 2007

Wow, and other grunts of appreciation

Oh my.

It certainly is time, isn’t it.

I’m in a state of perpetual single-mindedness, while at the same time imminently distractible. I can barely stop thinking about IT, even with one of the most stressful work weeks of my job and a major mano a mano throw down with a member of our board of directors. Oh, and not to mention the three grants and one grant report that I have to get out the door today and the 1000 piece mailing that was dropped late last night.

I don’t have a glamorous life (perhaps why nobody has offered the Ableiscious moniker to me), but I certainly have a busy one.

Oh, and there’s the packing, which has changed course now that the temps in Wisconsin seem a little lower than I expected. (I guess it is Wisconsin after all!) (Although, btw, what’s up that the humidity up there? Is it the lakes? Cause you guys have an inordinate amount of moisture in the air. I thought that was all saved up for Texas.)

And there are the thank you notes and expressions of gratitude to send. I often can’t find the right words. I know. Me. IM Able….at a loss for words. Pah-shaw.

But, seriously, how do I thank everyone? The strangers who I never knew who helped me pay for the initial entrance fee, with the help of the Kahuna himself. My family who were adamant at my ability to do this even before they knew what IT really was. My future in-laws who always met me at the front door at every gathering with questions about training progress and who called after every big race. And what about the donors to CPL, who plunked their hard earned cash down for the future mobility and happiness of someone they have never met and will likely never know. And the bloggers. You guys, who I would always look for ideas and inspiration over coffee in the morning. And, Mighty M…there just isn’t any way to find the right words.

Perfect example.

Last week, Mighty M’s mother gave me the most precious gift, leaving us both in tears in the Wilmington Bertucci’s. She and I – criers. Anyway, it is a delicate charm bracelet, with tiny silver ovals scattered around its circumference. Each one says “I Am” on one side and various adjectives on the other…strong, loved, blessed, courageous, woman, joyful, etc. And there is one special charm set apart from the others that simply says…"I Am Able."

How do I thank her for that? Where are the words to describe how it feels to know someone supports you and your crazy inspirations with such resolve and kindness?

(By the way, I’m wearing it on the run. I can’t risk losing it on the swim or bike, but by golly I’m wearing it on the run. So, amid the cowbells and cheering, if you hear someone sound like wind chime tinkling away on the course…yeah, that’s me. You never know…I may need the reminder out there in the darkness.)

I’m in awe of this journey. I’m in awe of how much the small efforts you lend to the world come back to you having grown exponentially on their trip. And with all of the excitement and anticipation, all I can seem to come up with are single syllable grunts of affection and appreciation and words like “wow.”

“Wow” just doesn’t cover it. I’ll come up with the right word soon – maybe even out on the course – but for now, wow will have to suffice.


9 Days
Remaining

17 comments:

JenC said...

You made me cry too. That is a very thoughtful gift!

Enjoy the next 9 days, because they will go fast. Good luck and enjoy finishing off many months of hard training! This is the fun part!

Laurie said...

The charm bracelet gave me full body chills. How sweet of her to give such a thoughtful gift to you.

You are an inspiration :)

Spokane Al said...

If you are not Ableiscious yet, you are pretty dang close! Thanks for the great words.

Alili said...

It's moments like this (as I cry at work reading my daily dose of blogs...) that give me affirmation that there truly are wonderful people all around us.

I'll be watching on IM live #53, know that there's a triathlete in Michigan cheering for you.

Thank you for letting all of us be a part of this amazing journey.

greyhound said...

I look forward to meeting you and seeing you finish the journey.

Unknown said...

Have fun out there.

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

The humidity varies; with the temps they're predicting it probably won't be a critical factor. (Then again, last year it managed to be both chilly AND humid, so it's possible.)

One thing to consider... the unanimous outcry last year was about mosquitoes as big as your head. All the athletes were saying they wished they'd packed repellent. I tried to go for a short walk near the lake and was literally chased back to my car by clouds of the little bastards. Guess what I'm sayin is just to be safe, pack the Deep Woods Off : )

LBTEPA said...

Aw more sniffles - what a soggy week it's been - just wait until we read your race report eh?
What a beautiful gift from your MIL

TriTurtL said...

You ARE able. And you make those of us that have been tracking your journey feel inspired and able, too. Thanks for being you.

Tea said...

That is a beautiful gift.

How do you thank her and everyone else? I think you just did.

kelly said...

I just love your blog. You are a wonderful writer. Good luck next weekend. I will be running a 100 miler in Utah, but will think of you and send out a prayer your way. The bracelet you were given was AMAZING!! It brought tears to my eyes. Maybe you should wear it the whole time. Find a way to keep it secure, it will remind you of your power and that YOU ARE ABLE to accomplish anything. Have fun out there!!

Steve Stenzel said...

What a sweet gift! See you out in WI soon!!!

xt4 said...

Geez, I just found your blog via Erin (The Long and Winding Road) and feel like I've been missing a great movie or something.

I've added you to my blog roll call, feel free to come share the love if you like.

Have a great race. You are ready.

Pharmie said...

Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't get the entire week off! Can't wait to meet you out in WI!

Charlie said...

The run is a great place to have something like that.
IM week really does let you know where you stand in peoples hearts.
It is a great thing.
Enjoy every minute of it.

Wes said...

What a wonderful gift! It has been a monumental journey, has it not? Best wishes. I'll be watching Ironmanlive for arms in the air with flashes of silver and a big smile....

Anonymous said...

You have again reminded me of why we do this sport. You are ABLE and your story is one that has and will undoubtably launch many others to take the brave plunge and sign up for IM! Reading your journey these past months has emboldened me to hit that sign up button for IMFL. You have done more than just for yourself in your journey, and for that I thank you! We're behind you all the way and believe in you! Best of luck this weekend! Enjoy the ride!