June 21, 2006

Hi all -

I write this as I travel to IM Coeur D'Alene, where, in an ideal world, Dirk would be racing with me. This was his 'A' race, and so we were 'training' somewhat through Honu. I am not going to go into the current medical status, Kiki does this so much better than me. What I will try to do with this email is give us all a bit of perspective on where many of his friends and loved ones will be this weekend, thinking of him, wishing he were here and believing that when we come home Dirk will be in a better state.

There are so many easy things to say about racing with someone on your mind. It does make you stronger, it does keep you focused and it definitely makes you very grateful for what we have. But to me, that would be too easy. Dirk is struggling, not because of his current medical situation, but rather that his mind is becoming more and more aware of what has happened, what this could mean to his daily life, how this affects his wife & family, what this means for his job, how he impacts his friendships and that for a while, he will not be the person HE wants to be. All this, combined with his incredible sadness of what his wife Kelsey is going through...well, you all get the point here.

So, why am I writing all this? Because we all have many opportunities this coming weekend to live our lives in the way we envision it. Some of us will go to Ironman, others will race Western States, others San Jose Triathlon, Pacific Crest or even just a great weekend of cycling or running with friends. And although Dirk can't currently join us on these paths, please take some time to remember how fortunate we are to be able to do what we do...in our great community. I know Dirk gets a smile on his face thinking of all of us doing what he loves to do, but it also brings sadness, that he can't play with us for a while. His life is on a different path for now.

And so, while I wish you all a weekend of success and happiness, if you can, take a moment to think of Dirk, how fortunate we are to be this healthy, fit and how life has afforded us opportunities like this. And with life's strange turn of events that have hit home for Kelsey and Dirk, I know I will try to send them many heartfelt smiles and well wishes during my race day because to me, nothing represents their life that they have put on hold more, than the appreciation of just being thankful for this life I am blessed to have. To think a few weeks ago Dirk wanted to have an 'A' race, now all Kelsey and him want is the ability to talk, taste, walk, or even smile properly.

I know Dirk will be there with me, all day, when things are going well, and especially when things are challenging - nothing compares to what he must be feeling and what Kelsey has been through these last 16 days. I hope you let him be there for you this weekend to, with the understanding that we will not stop praying, believing and supporting the two of them.

Thanks.

Chris

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