It’s hard to describe the detail of this piece of artwork which I received from Carol (aka “Lil Sis”) for my 53rd birthday. There are multiple layers of cutouts, perfectly stacked to create a mandala like design. She added a battery operated light to it as well. It’s the sort of gift that you know was made with love…lots of it.
This Thanksgiving I poured myself a large glass of gratitude.My glass is overflowing with gratitude for:
I hope that your glass is overflowing with blessings and gratitude in this holiday season.
Last year, when I was in the final stage of earning my Spartan Trifecta, my brother (Robert) decided that he wanted to do the same. You should know that I am one of 4 siblings who have all lead a quite athletic lifestyle – with the exception of Robert. His desire to complete the required races to gain trifecta status would not come easy. I decided that I would accompany him on his journey, and Lil Sis (Carol) volunteered to do the same.
We took on the Spartan Sprint in March, met the Spartan Super in June, and, this past weekend, faced the beast of all 3 races (the Spartan Beast). You should know that while Robert was enthusiastic following the Sprint, he was very apprehensive (if not reluctant) upon completion of the Super to continue on to the Beast. By the time he decided to bite the bullet and register, Carol and I had been signed up for a couple of weeks and all of the earliest start times were sold out. He put everything he could into his training but wasn’t feeling confident that he could go the distance and complete the obstacles along the way. At one point, he thought of quitting. He told me that he thought he was holding Carol and I back and was a little surprised when I told him that we were only doing it to support him. [No pressure] Of course, he kept trying and added hikes at elevation to his plan of attack. In the months leading up to our final race, I made a couple of road trips to accompany him on some training hikes.
Long story, short. HE DID IT!
But it was NOT easy. His pain was palpable at times. His determination was admirable every step of the way. It was cool to hear him express his thoughts while navigating the steepest downhill sections (with some uphill thrown in for good measure) the final 5-ish miles. He wasn’t planning to do another Beast, so he was really taking in the experience. Being accepting of the pain, he took my input on how to encourage glute activation to heart.
Meanwhile, I learned to be more receptive to the heel pain which decided to accompany us every step of the way. When I felt like complaining, I’d look over at Robert and the feeling would quickly be buried in the heap of admiration that was growing. You see, this race wasn’t about me… or Carol; it was about Robert.
He put in the work and earned his trifecta!
BoBo finds a way to include his dad in the special day by wearing one of his suits which he had altered specifically for this day. This is his day to bask in our love and celebrate his hard-earned promotion to assistant management.
We are all there with him: YaYa, me, and his dad (in spirit).
We are there, and we are oh so very proud.
Growing up, I was often referred to as “Linda’s little sister” or “Carol’s older sister.” These days, however, we are each our own unique self, blessed/shaped with our own set of talents and life experience [Linda included]. And I have never been prouder to be their Middle Sis.
Accompanying my brother, Robert in his Trifecta journey is just one added benefit to maintaining a close relationship with my siblings. I have to say that it’s pretty freaking cool to do these Spartan Races with my Robert and Carol.