From the Inside Out

Maui is one of my favorite Islands. It’s where Gary and I went for our honeymoon and where we decided to celebrate our 10th year of marriage. Fast-forward to 2010, and I find myself back on the Island again. And guess what? It’s still as great as it was the first time I came. Seriously, every time I come here, I never want to leave. The views are amazing. The weather is perfect. The ocean is mesmerizing. I think it’s about as close to heaven as you can get.

This year, we traveled to the Island first-class, which made the 8-hour plane ride much more comfortable. I knew all of those upgrade points I had been accumulating would come in handy one day! We arrived in the late afternoon, checked into our hotel, and admired the fantastic view from our balcony. We’re only steps from the famous “black rock” on Kaanapali Beach in Maui, a spot that is well-known for excellent snorkeling. Just step outside, and we’re there.

View from our room

Looking out at Lanai

Black Rock

After checking in, we wandered around Kaanapali Beach and had dinner at the nearby Whaler’s Village.

Hula show at Whaler’s Village

We did some shopping, and then strolled along the beach before returning to our room to admire the beauty that God was painting in the night sky. I just love how the moon and stars are so bright in Hawaii. I never get over it. I just wish I had a better camera so I could really capture how awesome it truly is.

On day two, we got up early to do some snorkeling around black rock. We saw lots of fish, a couple of eels hiding in the reef, and…the best treat of the day…a sea turtle. It was huge! We followed it around for a while and took lots of pictures, but it’s on the waterproof camera so I can’t share those pictures until I get them developed.

We took a break for lunch, enjoying food and live music at an outdoor grill on the beach, and then we headed to Front Street in Lahaina to do some shopping and pick up a couple of road bikes that we are renting for the week.

Finally, we ended up at the spa for a beachside couples massage that was pure heaven! If I wasn’t relaxed before, I certainly am now. Oh, how I love vacation — it’s bliss.

It’s been almost 5 months since our lives were turned upside down by a stroke. Oh, how I’ve learned to despise that word. I had no idea how many people (young and old) experience strokes and how devastating they can be. I guess you can never fully comprehend something until it happens to you.

Since my father’s stroke, I’ve had numerous friends whose loved ones have also experienced strokes. Sadly, some were worse, but many weren’t as severe — for which I am thankful. A massive stroke is a special kind of hell that traps sufferers in their own bodies until the brain heals itself…if the brain heals itself.

My Dad is making progress, but it continues to be painfully slow. I think the worst part is that he still cannot communicate. That has to be the single most frustrating experience for all of us, especially him. The therapists equate it to being in a foreign country where no one speaks your language. At times, he can’t understand us, and we can’t understand him. Just imagine how difficult and lonely it would be if no one understood what you were saying for five months.

Yes, we’re learning how to overcome it, and he understands more of what we’re saying every day. Unfortunately, we don’t understand much of what he says. However, words (and some phrases) are beginning to come. They pop out randomly. He doesn’t have control over it, but it’s better than nothing. It’s fantastic when he opens his mouth and utters a word or a phrase that’s intelligible. I pray that his speech will continue to improve until one day he no longer has to struggle to communicate.

Since my father’s stroke, I’ve met a few people who have conquered their strokes. In fact, I recently met a man who experienced a massive stroke (including paralysis and the loss of communication skills) like my father. I had no idea. His speech was perfect, and he was participating in a 32-mile cycling event. I love hearing stories from those who have regained their lives after a 1-2 year battle. It’s encouraging.

I pray for the same experience with my father. If anyone can do it, he can. But, it doesn’t mean that I don’t battle with my doubts. I have those internal struggles just like everyone else. I guess that’s normal. No one can say with any certainty what the future will hold. God promises that He will never forsake us, but He doesn’t guarantee that our lives will always be rosy. Sometimes He heals, and sometimes He doesn’t. It reminds me of an old song we used to sing:

I don’t know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine,
For it’s skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

I may not understand it, but I’m not alone. God knows exactly where I am and what I’m going through. He gives me strength. He gives me comfort. And, He holds my hand.

Some people say that life is series of adventures. You finish one and then move on to the next. At least I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be. The problem is that I can’t seem to do it. I have a serious problem saying no to any fun opportunity that comes my way. I try to absorb all of the fun adventures at once–sometimes, to my detriment. I promised myself that would take a brief hiatus from the “adventures” in life after (1) my Dad’s stroke, (2) my unexpected increase in responsibility at work, and (3) my last directing gig at ALC. I needed a break, so I took one–for a short time anyway.

Only two months later, I find myself gearing up for the next Saturday Night Life show, getting ready for a huge launch at work, AND I just decided to audition for another play. What was I thinking? It’s no wonder I’m always busy. It’s my own fault. Maybe I need therapy.

Oh, I may have also forgotten to mention that I still want to compete in the corporate challenge, and I’m trying to keep up with a demanding Taekwondo regiment each night. Argh, I just can’t seem to turn down a cool opportunity.

I’ll find out on Saturday if I received a part in the play. If it doesn’t happen, it may be a blessing. If it does, then I’ll be extremely busy again, but I think it’ll be worth it. It could be the start of a really fun adventure with a new theater company. The play is called “Leaving Iowa” and performances start in September at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano.

I just completed my 32-mile Tour de Cure cycling journey so what’s next? Well, I’m seriously considering participation in the annual City of Richardson Corporate Challenge. It’s an 8-week Olympic style competition involving 22 athletic and non-athletic events. Participants are comprised of employees, spouses, managers, retirees and volunteers from the Richardson-area business community. The Corporate Challenge kicks-off with an opening ceremony and then continues with competitions in physical events ranging from softball, cycling, basketball and flag football, to the more sedentary events including darts, billiards and miniature golf. The Challenge wraps up with a closing ceremony in October.

I’m thinking about participating in the 9-mile bike race in September. This would be unlike anything I’ve ever done before. Instead of focusing on distance, this competition focuses on speed. The cycling teams work together to help their lead riders get the fastest course times, and then the top two male and female riders combine their times for ranking among companies. In past years, the Cisco team has medaled in this event. It would be really fun to participate.

Gary and I are going to try the qualifying route this weekend to see if our speeds are up to par. The good news for me is that they desperately need female riders, especially competitive ones. I’m not sure how fast I am, but I think I might be able to do it. Besides, I still have a few weeks to train and get faster. It’ll be fun to try, and if I can’t do it, I can still participate in the recreational ride to help support the team and give them more points.

I’ll keep everyone posted and let you know how it goes. In the mean time, here are a few more pictures from our Tour de Cure ride this weekend.

The “early” riders from the Cisco Team. I’m the short one in the back waving.

The 32, 15, and 5-milers from the Cisco team posing with our banner.

Now for the crazy fun shot!

Me and Gary with a couple of Team Cisco riders at the first rest stop.

After work on Friday, Gary and I traveled to Ft. Worth to begin our “Tour de Cure” weekend. Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in 43 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. The North Texas cycling event was being held this year at the Texas Motor Speedway. We decided to spend the night nearby at the Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle so we wouldn’t have a long drive early in the morning. Tour de Cure registration started at 6 am, and our ride was scheduled to begin at 7 am.

After getting a few hours of sleep, we got up around 5:30 am and made our way to the track a few minutes after 6:00. Riders were already there getting prepped for their journey. We joined them and met up with the rest of our group in the “Team Cisco” tent near the starting line. Team Cisco was comprised of 18 riders — each riding various distances. Routes ranged from a minimum of 5 miles and a maximum of 100 miles. I rode the 32-mile course, and Gary rode the 64-mile course.

At 7 am, our team lined up at the start of the course. All riders began with a lap on the Texas Motor Speedway track with a pace car leading the way. It was a blast being able to ride on the actual Speedway track. Below is a picture of the starting line.

Ready for the ride to start!

The first rest stop was at the 10-mile mark. It’s a great place to take a quick break and stock up on snacks or water/gatorade.

A look back at the route we traveled to arrive at the first rest stop. After leaving the speedway, most of the course was comprised of small country roads.

A quick picture of me and Gary before starting the next leg of the course.

We came across the second rest stop about six miles later. It was a nice, shady area with more water, healthy snacks, and mechanics (in case you needed assistance with your bike). This was the turn around point for riders following the 32-mile route.

Gary got ready to depart for the 60-mile course as I turned back to follow the 32-mile path.

I finished the 32-mile course a little after 10 am. Volunteers were cheering for everyone at the finish line. It felt great to be done! At the end of the ride, I joined back up with other Team Cisco riders at the tent to share ride stories and get some much needed rest. Also, because Cisco raised over 13K, we were eligible for free massages. After resting, I journeyed over to the massage tent and took advantage of a nice chair massage — just what my aching muscles needed after a long ride!

The Tour de Cure event also had a number of other fun activities at the finish line — live band, free pizza, sponsor tents with give aways, free GMC test drives, Humane Society exhibit, and various snacks/drinks. It was a fun, festive atmosphere. It also provided some good entertainment while I was waiting for Gary to finish his long ride.

The Cisco team hung out together, cheered riders crossing the finish line and took some group pictures towards the end of the event. I’ll share those later when I get copies. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera. I was using my iPhone so I didn’t take a large number of pics today.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! I had a great time at the event. It was well organized and benefited a fantastic cause. I hope to be able to do it again next year. For now though, I’m recuperating — and resting my sore, tired body!