2010 seems so long ago. But memories linger. About this time 10 years ago I ran the Urban Cow Half-Marathon with a groin hernia. Not highly recommended. I was scheduled to run the Shamrock that Spring but got the stomach flu that Thursday. And plans were changed. I had really trained. Felt sorry for myself for a few days and realized some friends were training for the Urban Cow. I was all in.
I had spent the Summer increasing the number of miles I ran and that September my doctor advised me that I had a groin hernia and might consider surgery. It would have to wait. A race to run. I successfully completed the run in just over 2 hours with minimal discomfort. That being said with just over one mile to go the hernia pinched badly. Quickly looking around and not seeing anyone I let out the most primal noise. A cute young gal that I had missed said we only have a mile left. I kindly nodded and made my way to the finish line.
About a week later the surgery to repair the hernia was a success. My recovery consisted of laying on the couch - with my cow bell from the race - watching my beloved San Francisco Giants win the World Series. The first of three this past decade. Before I go on - is anyone else wondering if the Dodgers are doing good during this mini season because they are used to playing in a empty stadium. Just wondering.
This part is hard. For the last six years my Dad had been suffering from Parkinsons related dementia. To put it simply he had about two years of silly forgetfullness, two more years at home that were more difficult on his mental and physical health - as well as that of my Mom. His last two years were in a memory care unit of an assisted living facility. There were most assuredly you could laugh or cry most those stories are best told over drinks. I would not wish his condition on anyone but yet learned so much from him.
Toward the end, it was difficult to visit him which made me angry - at myself . His memory and recognition of others were largely faded if not gone. But even then how his grace remained. I had the distinct pleasure of working with him as a legislative advocate for about 12 years. We had a British client. We could be leaving the Embassy after an evening conversing with Members of Parliament, executives and the diplomat among other dignitaries. On the way out we would perhaps come across the wait staff, evening custodian or the valet and my Dad would not miss a beat in treating them with the same due respect as those previously mentioned. One of his many gifts in which I fall short.
He loved his chocolate and nuts. I would always bring him a couple of Hershey bars or small can of nuts. The point of the prior paragraph is even at his worse when a staff member came in - he would gracioulsy offer to share his chocolate or nuts. Grace to the end. Lessons always bestowed.
He passed on November 11, 2010. Durng his final two or three weeks - he largely slept. My daughter and I had visited a couple of weeks prior to his passing to say our good byes. Shortly after our visit the Giants had won. theS Something compelled me to go back one last time. I told him the Giants won the Series, I loved him and that he could go if he was ready.
Shortly after he passed, I found myself almost joyous in grieving the remarkable man, father and friend that he was and not what that viscious disease had tried but failed to take from him. A glass of vodka - only ice not senselsess garnishes - will raised be in your honor this November 11, 2020. I miss you today and every day.
Be Humble. Be Kind.Stay Strong. God Bless!
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