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| Those eyes! |
My nephew, Christian, has this magical way of reaching into
my heart and turning it into gold.
Perhaps when I nicknamed him Nugget as a baby, I subconsciously knew the
power of that little boy’s soul. Christian and I recently
got to spend some quality time together. During this time I amazingly watched as he jumped in the pool and swam the entire length without stopping; he became in expert swimmer, literally over night. I also had the honor to help him with his newly learned
skill of diving. I remember learning how
to dive and it being so much harder than my nephew’s seemingly nonchalant
efforts. After every dive he would ask “Were
my feet together?” and “Did my head go in first?” If I critiqued him he was quick and excited
to try again. He never complained, only
smiled and laughed. Learning to dive,
for him, did not appear to be the painstaking process I went through as my
grandfather practiced tireless patience while I assumed the position. I would stand, arms over head, knees slightly
bent, head tucked. “Just fall”, he would
say, and I would endure yet another belly flop.
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| Doing laps in a 24 hour race with Cytomax breaks every 30 seconds. |
Being a part of my nephew’s diving experience was profoundly
special. I watched him in awe and with great pride. Whenever I complimented him he would simply
say “I know”. He has this way, this
incredible confidence that I envy. I
never remember being that confident, not even as a kid. So it got me thinking. As adults we always say “thank you” when
someone compliments us or “no I’m not” or if you’re like me you get really red
and embarrassed. It’s just not something
I have ever been comfortable with for some reason.
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| His favorite Witch costume! |
I’m changing my ways thanks to my nephew. I am strong and fast and have worked really
hard for my goals and dreams. I know no
matter what I will succeed because I will have put my whole heart and soul into
it. My nephew will be with me this year
on the CTR, in so many ways. He will
give me wings to fly and the strength to endure. Thank you Christian for being such a precious
presence in my life. I love you with all
of my heart. Without further adieu I
dedicate this year’s
Colorado Trail Race to my one and only NUGGET! It’s going to be a good one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| All grown up but always my Nugget. |
