“Bring It Home, Son”
Next Sunday will mark the end of a year of triathloning. I started the same weekend in 2010 with the Monster Triathlon in Keller, TX. This will make five sprint triathlons, one olympic tri, and one 70.3 (half ironman). I’ve loved it!
Perhaps the most memorable moment came last month in the half ironman in Branson. We swam our 1.2 mile in clear Table Rock Lake, then we biked 56 miles in the hills of the Ozarks. Just as I was in transition from cycling to running, the heavens opened up. I ran my half marathon in pouring rain—most of the time with lightning all around.
It was raining on us. But it was also raining on the spectators, including my parents.
Three times we looped around, and each time they were standing there in the pouring rain to cheer me on. (This is saying something since it took me 7.5 hours to finish!)
This was no easy feat for my dad. A strong athlete for most of his life, Parkinson’s has stripped much of his mobility, balance, and ability to show emotion.
But each time I came by in the pouring rain, he—this man who ran the Boston Marathon five times in the 1980s—was standing there waiting (as was Mom).
My last time by I still had about 45 minutes left. I was gassed. On the two previous loops, I had talked to them as I went by. But this time I could hardly push extra breath out. Dad saw me and said, “Bring it home, son.”
I’ll never forget those words. I will indeed seek to bring it home.
Please, please tell me this is the title of your next book!
Nothing else need be said…..
I’ve always been impressed with Kenneth at the family reunions, he’s really a great guy. I know your proud to have him as Dad. He is an inspiration to all of us Dads.
Your parents are so special, not only to y’all of the family but to so many of us that have had the pleasure to greet them and having them draw us close to their hearts immediately. Bravo to both and to you for finishing. What a grueling task you’ve set for yourself. I know that you will always hear your dad’s encouragement and will indeed, “bring it home, son.” Bravo!! Thank you and God bless you and your beautiful family, Mike!
My guess is that, if for some reason, you had been unable to finish the run, your dad would have been the first one to put his arm around your shoulder and say something to the effect of “I know you gave it your best. I’m proud of you!”
“Bring it home, Son”
Oh, now – That just preaches, doesn’t it?!
There’s at least a sermon in there, if not a book. That would make a great title of both!
((((((Hugs)))))) to your Dad, for being a great encourager!
One more example of why I love your mom and dad so much. Thanks, Mike.
“To see delight in your father’s eyes is to see his belief that the party of life would be a bust without you.” Ian Morgan Cron