23 men posted to RunStrong this morning, and I was happy to see Charlie Brown and Shrimp there, as I called them out earlier in the week.  They used to be regulars at this AO but had fallen off the radar screen (good to see you boys this morning!).  The official disclaimer this morning was to be careful and watch out for cars.  Last week, Slim Jim, Gamecock and I were getting ready to cross Red Banks Road and a woman talking on her cell phone blew through the red light.  Luckily we had waited.  Don’t assume drivers will do the right thing.  With that we were off:

• Up Elm to 1st St
• Down 1st to The Commons and then head back for the six
• Back up 1st to Elm St and then back for the six
• Up Elm to Elm St. Park and then back for the six

It was a typical morning, with nothing notable other than Tonka complaining about the route and Underdog rolling in on two wheels, both of which have become the norm.

COT

We circled up a few minutes early around a case of water, and I had some words for the PAX while everyone cooled down:

I asked Boston Lager to Q today, and he was gracious enough to give up his week to Q so that I could.  He had no idea why (I appreciate it, Brother!)

My mother passed away 3 years ago today.  I’ve been reflecting on this for a few weeks, and thinking about the lives of two men who have had a big impact on my life.

One was Papa Smurf, a man who was surrounded by hundreds of loved ones during the final year of his life.  Through his final days, he always seemed to have Joy in his heart, and inspired those around him even as his strength declined and his days grew shorter.  Those relationships he had, the ones he built, didn’t form overnight.  They took years.  They took time.  They took effort.  The people who knew him and loved him surrounded him during his greatest times of need, and they were many.

The other man is my father.  What I recall as a kid was the amount of time he spent working….12 hours a day, thirteen days in a row, taking every other Sunday off.  He didn’t have time to build relationships and make friendships, and when he did have time, he didn’t make the effort.  He and my mother moved here about 7 years ago and he didn’t make an effort to meet anyone or form any relationships after moving. That doesn’t make him a bad person, but as his health has declined, and dementia has crept upon him, his days are lonely.  His world is small.  It is a huge contrast compared to Papa Smurf.

My challenge to each member of the PAX is to reach out to a man you don’t know.  Invite him to lunch or dinner.  Have a “real” conversation.  A deep discussion.  Build relationships.  Get to know the men you sweat with in the gloom.  If you don’t do that, you are not only cheating yourself, but also cheating those men around you.  We each have strengths and gifts that we can use to help our fellow brother in his time of need.  It’s not love until you give it away.   Give it away, guys!

PRAYERS

Slim Jim’s sister-in-law:  cancer

THEE Hot Spot’s colleague:  seizures, possibly drug related

Harry Potter:  moving to Sanford on July 6th, starting a new job teaching in Lee County in the Fall

Abu:  hot water heater leak and damage to house and floor

Silverback:  Praise for making in through the run-centric workout without having to stop!