Marathon Tomorrow - Prayers Please - FINISHED!
After roughly six months of training, the big event is finally here. This marathon is a VERY big deal to me as it represents more for my family and I than just a 26.2 mile run.
Although as PRC board members our relationships are 'geographically challenged,' I feel a certain kinship with you folks as we have shared many facets of our lives that are outside our commom enjoyment of the Polaris Ranger. It is for this reason that I have decided to share what this event means to me.
For those of you who don't already know, I'm a recovering alcoholic. A little over four years ago I entered an alcoholism rehabilitation facility for a 20 day detox and rehabilitation including nearly 100 group and individual classes designed to help me with my struggle. Because I was a 'closet drinker,' my friends and even close family members were unaware of my disease, and it was not until it got to the point that serious health issues began to surface that people became aware of the problem. Finally, a very dear friend of mine somehow talked me into seeking help and she drove me to the facility. Although that day is VERY sketchy to me, the nearest we can figure that I had ingested alcohol before being admitted to the hospital/rehab facility was about 7 hours before we got there and even then my Blood Alcohol Content was 0.294. Needless to say, my tolerance had increased immensely over the years. There's a lot more to this part of the story, but I'll leave it at that.
Anyways....on my last full day of rehab, myself as well as the others in my group were charged with declaring some of our goals for the future. When the discussion came around to me, I said that I was going to run a marathon before I turned 50. As you can imagine, many of the others said things like, "Yeah right...YOU'RE going to run a marathon!" Even the cousellor that was presiding over that particular session suggested that I choose some less 'lofty' goals.
Folks.....although I'd not wish alcohol addiction on my worst enemy, now in retrospect I can say that it has been nothing short of a magnificent gift from our Creator. Had it not been for this disease, I don't know if I would ever have had the opportunity to see life in the truly glorious way I do today.
I am a VERY grateful man and if when you awaken tomorrow morning you have a spare prayer lying around your soul, I'll take it! Thank you for allowing me to share this with all of you and God Bless You.
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Although as PRC board members our relationships are 'geographically challenged,' I feel a certain kinship with you folks as we have shared many facets of our lives that are outside our commom enjoyment of the Polaris Ranger. It is for this reason that I have decided to share what this event means to me.
For those of you who don't already know, I'm a recovering alcoholic. A little over four years ago I entered an alcoholism rehabilitation facility for a 20 day detox and rehabilitation including nearly 100 group and individual classes designed to help me with my struggle. Because I was a 'closet drinker,' my friends and even close family members were unaware of my disease, and it was not until it got to the point that serious health issues began to surface that people became aware of the problem. Finally, a very dear friend of mine somehow talked me into seeking help and she drove me to the facility. Although that day is VERY sketchy to me, the nearest we can figure that I had ingested alcohol before being admitted to the hospital/rehab facility was about 7 hours before we got there and even then my Blood Alcohol Content was 0.294. Needless to say, my tolerance had increased immensely over the years. There's a lot more to this part of the story, but I'll leave it at that.
Anyways....on my last full day of rehab, myself as well as the others in my group were charged with declaring some of our goals for the future. When the discussion came around to me, I said that I was going to run a marathon before I turned 50. As you can imagine, many of the others said things like, "Yeah right...YOU'RE going to run a marathon!" Even the cousellor that was presiding over that particular session suggested that I choose some less 'lofty' goals.
Folks.....although I'd not wish alcohol addiction on my worst enemy, now in retrospect I can say that it has been nothing short of a magnificent gift from our Creator. Had it not been for this disease, I don't know if I would ever have had the opportunity to see life in the truly glorious way I do today.
I am a VERY grateful man and if when you awaken tomorrow morning you have a spare prayer lying around your soul, I'll take it! Thank you for allowing me to share this with all of you and God Bless You.
