That’s right: 16 weeks after being hit by a car & 11 weeks after being cut open - Dad was back in the transition area, having his number marked on his calf, pulling on his wet suit, and treading water as he waited for the air horn to mark the start of the race.
Let me give you the play-by-play:
We all convene at Blue Lake Park just outside of Portland, OR and enjoy the beautiful setting, cool morning and excitement of the day ahead. Dad and Gary (my sweetie of a hubby) get ready for the race and stand lakeside with the other competitors.
That man needs a GPS tracker! I curse the surgeon for not dropping one in while he was open on the operating table!
Twenty minutes later, Gary emerges from the water. “Where’s Dad?” I yell. “Up ahead!” he responds. It turns out that Dad was actually six minutes ahead. This was Gary’s one chance to keep up with my Dad and he couldn’t catch him – poor guy. The kids and I rush ahead to the bike path to see if we can get a glimpse of Bapa on the bike.
The run isn’t long – but it’s the hardest part. The heat of the day is on the rise. Race officials have a volunteer ride their bike along the trail with Dad (just to be careful). Dad remembers doctor’s orders, and perhaps how bossy his daughters are when he’s in the hospital. He takes it easy and after another twenty-nine minutes comes to the finish line with an overall time of 1:24:21. The crowd goes wild - or at least I do!
Gary comes in just two minutes later (so close!) and we stick around to talk with the other athletes, enjoy lunch and let the kids play on the playground.
Sure enough, soon the announcer called Bapa’s name and he was awarded a medal for his efforts. Wow!
Even better news: Dad had fun and he felt good!
Hip, Hip Hooray!!!!
Each day brings progress. Each day holds promise.
Thanks for all who have supported Dad,
Mom and all of Team Bapa during this difficult time.
See you at the races!