Yearlings

One year ago today, my life changed completely and utterly.  And to be entirely, perhaps even brutally honest, there were days – still are – that I am not exactly sure the change was for the better.  But of course, and obviously, it was.  In fact, today my life is deeper and more meaningful than ever.  Despite the reality that everything I do is more difficult.  Everything is more complex.  Just making arrangements to get out on the bike, let alone actually train enough to be competitive, is at times, a nightmare.  But we, my wife and I, are making everything work.  In fact, I’d say things are whirring along quite well these days…

One year ago today our twins were born.

And when I think about where I was mentally and physically in the weeks and months afterward, I can’t help but feel more than mild surprise at the progress I have made.  I am thrilled to be even able to race at all.  Turning in respectable results while fostering those delusions of grandeur that have fueled me throughout my life is simply icing on the cake.

I have 5 kids.  And there is nary a dull moment in our household.  Which means that those pristine, quiet moments on a stretch of lonely singletrack are that much more enjoyable.  But I also know that part of the reason that is so, is because those 5 kids at home bring color and texture to my life like nothing else could.  Everything in contrast. Today we celebrate more than the birth of our twins.  Today we celebrate survival, and sanity.  Mine, and my wife’s.

And here’s to hoping that the coming years are as eventful, and as rewarding as this one has been.