Everyone has something they want to do in their lifetime. The question is: What are we waiting for? This is the story of a man who was brave enough to say to death: "Hold on, I have a few things I'd like to do first."
Coach Williams (or just Coach as I call him) was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer while in his thirties. He was given just months to live but was "coached" back to health by his wife, son, and many friends and family members. After being told he would never see his 40th birthday, he lived to be 46 years old.
There was nothing more important to Coach than spending time with his family. After meeting death and walking away, he decided to do the things that were important to him. He traveled with his wife and son all over the country and even abroad. He wanted to see all the major baseball stadiums in the country and travel to all 50 states. He was an inspiration everywhere he went. His story was simple: you never know when your life will end, so live and love to the fullest extent. He inspired others to do the things they always wanted to do. I haven't always wanted to run a half-marathon, but now I can't imagine making it to the end of my life without reaching this goal first.
Coach was a few states short of the 50 at the end of his life but I have heard his wife and son recently completed the journey to Alaska, the 50th state on the list. I have found when someone dies and you continue to live in their legacy, it is as if they have not left us at all. They are just living in a different medium. This is the core discovery of my half-marathon journey.
I was always secretly amused that I called him "Coach" because I've never really played a sport. Now that I am an athlete, and the name is fitting. Mile 6 will be for Coach.
No comments:
Post a Comment