In order to get there, I sometimes need help to stay on the path. I write the Blog to hold myself publicly accountable to staying on this path to enlightenment and good health. As a true believer in the Ricky Ricardo, "You got a lot of 'splaining to do I Love Lucy philosophy," writing helps me work things out in my mind.
Then again, there is a much simpler way. I just need to go see my own "Oracle of Delphi." Her name is Beanie. Okay that's her nickname. Her real name is Eleanor but everyone knows her as Beanie. She is ninety years old and she is nobody's fool. She calls them the way she seems 'em. If Pedro Martinez had her fastball, he would still be pitching in the major leagues and not be in Cooperstown for at least another five years.
After work Friday, I was going to head to Vermilion for the weekend and decided to go by way of Wapakoneta, Ohio. It was five hours out of my way but I was in search of truth. Over the past ten years, Beanie has commented on my growing waistline. She told me on a couple of occasions, "You're fat. Take some weight off." I save the political correctness when it comes to Beanie. She's from The Greatest Generation. Case closed. Check your ego and outrage at the door. She's not changing. More importantly, she was right.
I spent almost two hours with her Friday night and it seemed like 20 minutes. Think about it. You go visit grandma or grandpa and you are searching for words to have a meaningful conversation. Not with Beanie. Throughout the years I would on a whim call "My second mother" just to talk and laugh. Laughing is huge with us. We laugh a lot. Her husband Jim passed a few years back. He was like a second dad and more to me. He was the chairman of the board of a savings and loan that hired me at the age of 29 to be a chief executive officer. That is unheard of in banking. It launched a 34 year career as a banking CEO for me. Color me grateful to both Jim and Beanie.
Friday I needed to commit to my run on Saturday. If I told Beanie I was running 17 miles in the morning then I knew I would do it. The first rule is don't ever lie to Beanie and make sure you follow through. Second rule, when in doubt, refer to the first rule as your guide. Amid the reminiscing and laughter I told her what I was planning for the morning. She just said, "Be careful." And then we exchanged our, "I love you," sincere greetings to each other and a hug. As I was getting ready to leave, unsolicited, and the girth issue never being part of the conversation up to now, "The High Priestess of All Truth" says, ""You look a lot slimmer. Good for you."
Whoa baby! 17 miles in the morning? Book 'em Danno!!!
I left. There was a one hour dead stop traffic jam at about 11:00 p.m. on Interstate 75 south of Findlay, Ohio on my way to Vermilion. I couldn't have cared less about the inconvenience. My evening began with a search of the truth and for the moment, I had reached total consciousness and for all practical purposes, found the end of the Internet.
I arrived in Vermilion about 1:00 a.m. I got a later start in the morning on my run than I hoped for. My arch nemesis the sun was already high in the sky by the time I got out. Not a factor. If I didn't finish, somehow, someway, in the energy that connects us all, Beanie would know. I didn't want to have to answer for it! Along the countryside route, two different strangers provided me with cold bottled water. How great is that?
At mile 15 a text came across my phone from one of Beanie's daughters that said, "Wow! Getting a compliment from Bean is a highlight." I'm telling you, Beanie knows all and sees all. The timing of the text was perfect. "Two more miles, in the pocket," I murmured to myself.
When I was done I just had to take it all in. 17 hot sun drenched miles. Stealing shade wherever I could. Angels of mercy with water when it was totally unexpected. A text message when I was tempted to mail it in. There were no words. The smile in the picture yesterday's post said it all. Mission accomplished. It was a less said the better moment. Five hours out of my way to find the truth and a helping hand. However, the real truth is that I am only eight weeks into the training program. Yesterday was great but now its over. A new revolution in the training begins with the mid-way point waiting for me next Sunday afternoon after the Falmouth Road Race.
Yesterday as important as it was is only a brick in the wall. It's now a day that belongs to the ages. My mindset has now changed. It's on to Falmouth. Both "The Hoodie" and Beanie would approve.
Another gem, Steve!! You obviously are very fortunate to have Beanie in your life. conversely - she is equally lucky to know you. As are many of us. Keep up the great work and once again - thanks.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS on that 17, and now, like you said, IT'S ON TO FALMOUTH!!!
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