A race with reality

The last senior of the week brought me a healthy dose of reality as Brennen shared a few hours with me.

This guy likes a challenge...... specifically races. He's got the Formula Ford that he and father, Will, like to scratch that itch for speed. Brennen is also one of East Marshall's top cross country and track distance runners. (editors note: I admire anyone that is willing to run any distance further than 200 meters).

What I was particularly impressed by during this session was not the car...... not the running accomplishments.... but something bigger.

This seniors toughest challenge came a couple years back during his sophomore year. The competitor?

Hodgkin's.

Now, I won't pretend to know how one should deal with this type of news..... at ANY stage of life... much less when a teen is supposed to be enjoying the prime of his life.

Tests, doctors, visits, chemo. The easy thing to do would be to ask... "why me?"

So... while Brennen is an accomplished racer and runner...... I say his biggest 'win' came with his attitude and ultimate victory over Hodgkin's lymphoma. That cannot be understated.

And while I'm exhausted from the drain of another 120 hour week...... Brennen's session reminded me, and should serve to remind all of us.... to always be thankful for every day we're given.

Thanks, my friend.