Old Track New Feelings

I went back to the place I called home for 13 years, Shoals Indiana. A couple of weeks ago I took my off day to see a member who had moved to Indianapolis and was in a hospital. I made spontaneous plans to have supper with my son who still lives in Shoals and so I had a couple of hours to kill when I completed the 5 and a half hour trip from Mansfield. I hadn't packed any running gear but had a deep desire to return to my old running route again.

After a couple of stops along the way I crossed the line into Martin County. It was a warm, humid afternoon when I was greeted by the "Welcome to Shoals" sign. After passing the Gypsum mines I hung a sharp left from US 50 at Shoals Community Schools. Into that familiar parking lot along side the school track, I parked anticipating my first run in over 2 years. There were two people on the track already and I didn't know them. As I got out of the car I went into the stretch routine I had done at least a hundred times and then descended down the hill to the entry gate where I once again place my feet on familiar ground. This was the place my running passion was ignited. It was the track I lapped endless early mornings and late nights.

It took no time to feel home with my running again. As I began my run the afternoon heat awakened my senses to sun beaten rubber beneath my feet.The rubber coated track was kind to my weary,slow mending feet. The air on the south end of the track was wonderfully familiar with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The whine of the crickets could be heard from the west end.

I gazed below at the lines and markings that guided me repeatedly around this place for years. I thought of the goals I set out to reach as I'd head to the track again and again. I thought of those cold winter days when I was so absorbed that I ignored snow covered lanes and defiant northerly gusts that could not squelch my passion. I remembered nights when I'd run when I was frustrated, restless or sad; when I could not distinguish between teardrops and sweat drops. I remember times when I ran just wishing I could go until I could not take another step. There were songs I'd run to that were so worn and ingrained as I took each stride (Coldplay, Journey, Goo Goo Dolls, Train, U2,etc)I mostly ran alone and mostly liked it that way. It all came back to me when I returned to that old track.

Much has taken place since those days when I started on that old track. It was part of my training to do what I once that far-fetched, to run and complete a marathon. I backed way off after that because of a foot injury and have just really made my way back over the past few months. I am not as fast and not as goal oriented these days. Part of me misses that too! But to go back to the SHS track and just run it for fun and to return to the place where I fought through many battles and reached many milestones was rewarding enough. You don't realize how much of yourself you've really poured out until you get the chance to go back to where it all began.

The question these days is: Where can I go to find that old feeling once again?

Another Son Heads For the Army

This morning it's Brad's turn. He is on a van heading for Evansville Indiana and then routes to Indianapolis to catch a flight to Atlanta before landing in Columbus Ga. and more specifically Ft Benning. Like his brother Andy, Brad is getting ready for intensive basic & AI training to become a soldier in the US Army. I sit here wondering, how did we become such a military family? I know that I had a grandfather who was a Navy Sea Bee and Kelly's father was also in the Navy but I never dreamed of having two sons who set their sites on becoming soldiers. I don't recall any GI Joes in their toy boxes. Kelly wasn't big on toy guns when they were little either, although I think they were inclined to use their imagine to fashion weapons out of sticks, broom handles, etc. I am very proud of them and also scared at the same time. What a dangerous time to volunteer with all the troubles in the Middle East. A year ago we were sending off Andy and feel extra proud of the man he is becoming. I know the discipline and structure have made a big difference. Next week he also heads to Benning for Army Ranger school, which is quite an honor to be recommended. I know that Brad has what it takes to become a great soldier. I may sound like a proud Papa when I say this but- the Army is very fortunate to be getting such a young man to serve and protect our country. In the end, while enlisting is not the first counsel we would offer to our sons when considering a life-path, I know it's what they strongly feel they must do. We proudly support them in this decision and yet it is tempered with much prayer for a hedge of protection about them and godly wisdom to make wise choices with each opportunity that comes their way. May God bless all of our troops who serve all around the world.