Legacy Running - Nate's journey.
Because He Can!
For the past 5 newsletters, I have written about my 12
year old son Nate and his training as he prepares to
run his first half marathon. Nate is a great athlete and
a great student and has become one of my favorite
training partners. This week
however, this section is about my oldest son Max who
turned 15 this past weekend and simply inspires me.
Max suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding)
in his brain during his birth. From that point forward,
many of "them" told us that he "won't" and he "can't" do
many of the things that "normal" kids would do. I
think they forgot to tell Max. "They" said he might
not walk or run, then he
did. "They" said he might not talk, they were certainly
wrong about that. "They" said he might not
be able to go to "normal" school. Max is an honor roll
student, a computer whiz kid, and has a great sense
of humor. Every single time "they" said he could not do
something...they forgot to tell Max.
Because of the injuries he suffered, his balance and
motor skills have made it very difficult for
him to play sports. But it does not stop him, he tries
like crazy and he always has a smile on his face.
Every team I have coached with
him on it has been a better "team" because of him.
He has taught his teamates more than I ever could.
He has made me a better coach and a better person.
Now a Freshman at Dublin Coffman High School, he
is in the Marching Band. Next year he wants to move
from the Baritone to the Tuba. A few weeks ago "they"
told Max that he was not strong enough and did not
have the body type to play the Tuba. They forgot
they were talking to Max. Max asked me if
he could start lifting weights and how he could get
stronger.
A few days before his birthday he told me about two of
his dreams. He wants to be a tuba player for the Ohio
State Marching Band and "dot the I" in Script Ohio and
then he wants to become a sportscaster. I smiled,
saw the determination in his eyes and thought...its
Max, I'm not betting against him.
On May 2nd, Max will be at the finish line cheering you
on, putting a medal around your neck or handing you
water. When Nate and his aunt run across the line,
Max will be smiling and cheering louder than anyone.
Because he can!
Happy Birthday Max. Thanks.
This year it is all about you!
Capital City Goes Green.
