Keep that heart of yours healthy...

It was strange, almost cliché, when I heard myself say, "But... I was just riding with him two hours ago." 

The symbol for love, loyalty, compassion, and conviction, as well as character and fortitude, it is also the organ that pumps blood through your body for a lifetime — The heart it seems is something that embodies the human condition.

A dear friend of mine just had a heart attack, and although a little intense, he was in good shape, ate very well, didn't smoke, and watched his weight. He just didn't come across as a candidate.

Being a man of great heart, his family and friends rallied around the situation; we did what could to support him in his time of need. Modern medicine, the grace of god, and his will to live, had him "up and about" three days later, and as someone put it, "Holding court in one of the waiting rooms". Stabilization, diagnosis... and now the treatment; heart surgery for sure, although the details of what that will be are up in the air at the moment. He is a man of great heart, so I am most certain he will get through whatever is decided.

As I reflect on the situation (which it seems we all do in moments such as these), I can't help but ponder all those symbols that this fist sized organ embodies. The heart keeps us alive to be sure, but I think the aspects of our character, conviction, fortitude, compassion, and how we love, are the reflection of how we live.

My dear friend lives life large in my opinion, and when they finally do what they need to do, I look forward to seeing him. After all, we have some riding to do.

There but for the grace of god, go I.

iamgpe

The journey and the goal...

Yesterday was the official start of my 2017 road biking season; similar to previous official starts, the day was sunny, warm, and spring was in the air. And like the last three years, it also marked the beginning of my road training for an upcoming 212 km ride in June to fight cancer.

As with previous years I have the honour to ride with three of my good friends, and if I'm not mistaken they too have started their journey and the countless "rpms" that come with preparing for the ride. Sometimes we train together and sometimes alone, but in the end we will ride the 212 kms as a team.

Our goal in all of this is to ride with 5000 other people in the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, raise awareness, raise money, and beat cancer in our lifetime. This is the 10th Anniversary of the ride and it will be an amazing event. About the Ride

As I made my way on such a beautiful day I was re-introduced to my bike after a long winter; the wind in my face slowing my progress, the twinge in my knee working itself out, and the feel of being in the saddle again (as I periodically shifted for comfort). As the kilometres melted away, I could not help but reflect on the small journey I was embarking on; all those other training rides in my future and my desire to be prepared for the ride. My goal in all of this is to support those people who are on a very different journey... a journey where they are battling cancer each and every day.

Our lives are full of journeys and goals; some of them are small and some of them are life changing — Starting university because you want to be an engineer and build bridges. The dream of becoming CFO coming true shortly before the CEO voices her dream of going public. That six month sabbatical that is for nothing other than travel. Dating again after four years because it's time. When the oncologist tells you there is no cure for the metastasized small cell lung carcinoma. And when you ride your bike for the first time to start preparing for a ride to defeat cancer in our lifetime.

These are our journeys. 

For the next two months my journey of preparation will have me riding as much as I can — I will endure the rain, the wind, the odd flat tire, and on June 10th I will ride like the wind. And as I ride, I will think of Janet, Garth, Paul, and Ray whose journey was cut short by cancer.

I have included a link to my personal page if you would like to donate to my ride.

Thank you 

iamgpe

The thoughts of memories...

I will admit I am not very good at remembering.

I should clarify that when I say this I am not referring to facts and figures, dates and responsibilities, but memories. I am forever listening to friends and family say, "Remember when...".

I sincerely have to admit I don't.

Oh, it is all there in the filing cabinet that I call my brain, but it is never easily recalled... I eventually find it, although it usually needs a photograph, a sound, a smell, or a conversation as a primer. 

Once remembered, I am always a little sad I am not able to recall and savour my memories so easily.

In my life I have been privileged to have known wonderful people, have travelled enough to understand the complicated love hate relationship that comes with it, and have seen places and things that have taken my breath away — I've developed relationships that have defined me as a father, a friend, and as an inamorato. There is nothing I have to complain about so far... it has been a good life.    

Except of course, maybe my ability to easily remember it.

This is definitely something I must work on; for no other reason I suppose than the thoughts of memories yet to be made.

I really do need to read that book on mindfulness.

iamgpe