If you would have told me..

Have just celebrated the four year mark and can't believe all the turns life makes. The surprises and the frustrations and the joys. I have an illeostomy because of crohn's and cancer, no going back for me.I don't post much but read and appreciate this all so much. I learn everyday still from you.

As my name suggests I am a triathlete. Not only that (Wife, mom, Grandma, Daughter, sister, friend, teacher) but Triathlon is something I have worked on for a long time. So in two weeks I am going to London to race in the ITU age group world championships. Sprint distance because its not on a Sunday. Qualified for long course also but alas it was in France on a Sunday. I would love to go to Kona and do that ironman to, that's another dream.

I got really depressed after my surgery and could barely walk up my stairs when I got home. Each step has come with work and sacrifice in some ways. I hope others who wonder if they can make it after all the pain, suffering and finally surgery, will keep going forward. Someone said the other day "it's not the destination it's the tranformation on the way, that makes a jounrey great" I believe that. Sometimes it's hard to see the transformations but they come for good or bad depending on us. What will we make of all this?

It is different training and racing "on this side of the fence". I am rather nervous to race with the best racers my age, in the world. How can I possibly keep the appliance on and wear that tight suit the team members have to wear? Trust me, the appliance shows big time on a red skin tight spandex outfit. Will my pouch fill up during race? (That really effects my movment) Still haven't figured out getting my bike there. Don't like always getting stopped in security at airports. Shouldn't be thinking negative, trying to be grateful and think positive.

Then I thought IF I did well it would be because of you and this forum and maybe some of my in born stubborness to keep going. If I don't come in top, I still will have a great expeience and I decided I would pull up my shirt far enough to show off Bubbles and say "Life IS good, we all need each other"! Have a wonderful day and keep your face to the sky!