One in A Million
This blog is dedicated to Mary Jarvis, you touched me in so many ways. There will always be a place in my heart for you, and you will be greatly missed. But I will always be grateful that we met, it was just far too short, Godspeed.
It is ironic that the strongest people I meet at the gym have the biggest obstacles to overcome. I am not talking about pull ups, or pushing the sled with 200lbs on it, I am talking about moving mountains, I’m talking about real strength, courage, the will to not just to survive, but thrive. It takes a lot of willpower to push forward when the odds are stacked against you, and the gains are never big enough, and the goal posts are constantly moving, it is a tough fight, it’s not for everyone.
It is far too easy to fall into that “poor me” mind set when dealing with something like Parkinson’s. The changes come hard and fast, and one of those changes is losing hope. You have just lost control of your future and all you see is gloom and doom. But as the shock wears off, you begin to take notice that others fight the same fight, some have it much worse, and some are much better, we are all dealt a different hand, and folding is not an option. And for that matter bluffing is not an option either, your choices are…..there is no choice, you fight back.
Right now it is easy for me to fight back, I am relatively young, healthy and highly motivated, it is good to be me, for now. But I no longer worry about my future, because I have seen what strength really is, it comes in, smiles, laughter, concern for others, hard work, and a never quit attitude. It travels in wheelchairs and walkers, and at times is hard to hear. But when it’s there, it fills the room, and removes all gloom and doom. It is powerful force that removes all doubt, it’s unstoppable.
In our world we make friends, and sadly we lose them too. We understand that this is part of life, but it is never easy, but we must carry on, it is what they would want us to do. We will someday be spoken of in past tense, and those words will motivate others who will follow in our footsteps, as we do today. Our gloves will be hung among those that preceded us, and with each pair gloves there will be a story of strength and courage, to be shared among boxers who as of today don’t even know they are one of “us” yet. These stories will provide comfort and encouragement to all who face this fight.
I have been blessed to have spent a considerable amount of time volunteering with the Champs group. I have made friends and I lost friends, I have laughed, and I have cried, and with every loss it leaves another hole inside of me. But I would not change a thing, because of those I met, trained with and ultimately became friends with, you have inspired me. The part you have played in my happiness cannot be overstated, you are the strongest people I know, thank you for letting me share in your life, you are amazing, and God Bless you all.
Mark Hitechew