Monday – 6/2/2014

“Years in passing cannot sever ties of new days from the old.” – St. Ignatius Alma Mater

This past Friday I attended my high school’s 20th reunion. As I write that sentence, it still amazes me to think how quickly the years can fly by, especially when you’re not ready for them to. It’s the things you try to hurry up and get through that drag on for eternity.

The ability to reconnect with my former classmates, several of whom I’ve not seen since graduation, not only afforded me the opportunity to catch up on the adventures in their lives, but also the chance to thank them for the prayers and support they’ve shown me since my accident. As expected, most were familiar with what I’ve been up to, mainly through the hundreds of Journal entries that have piled up over the last five years.

In fact, it was five years ago that I attended my 15th reunion. It was the first time I’d been back since graduation and the first time I’d seen many of my former classmates. I remember the evening very well and the fun we shared that night in late May.

Six weeks later I broke my neck. I remember their well wishes that came pouring in. Instead of the plans we’d made at the reunion to get together with our families, they were now trying to make arrangements for prayer vigils and hospital visits.

Like the Ignatius alma mater proclaims, being back at the school for the same occasion I was there in 2009 certainly connected the new days with the old days. While it was a great evening and I felt extremely comfortable, it was impossible to avoid the stark contrast from the last time we were all together.

I couldn’t shake their hands, pat them on the back, fetch them a drink, or do any of the remedial tasks I once took for granted. Instead, they all did that for me, thinking nothing of it. No one felt sorry for me, at least they didn’t show it if they did. And that felt awesome. We talked like we used to. Only difference was that I was sitting down.

I’ve often spoke about the bond that exists between the St. Ignatius community. It was certainly on full display Friday night. Thank you guys!

Another vivid reminder of the past flashes through the passenger windshield every day I make my way to the gym. There is a small reservoir that sits just off the highway’s on-ramp. Its water level rises and falls as frequently and erratic as the Northeast Ohio weather.

One day the water level nearly drowns out the tiny trees planted in the ground. A week later the warmer temperatures have sucked the water table dry to the point where the ducks huddle together in the few areas where water remains. Most people wouldn’t believe their eyes if they noticed how quickly the water level changes. Not me. I am very familiar with how quickly a lake bed can evaporate into the blue sky. It’s a reminder I live with every day.

However, it’s also a reminder I can choose to look past.

There will always be constant reminders of the past everywhere around us. It’s easy to take notice and dwell on those reminders. It’s also possible to maintain a forward focus and put the blinders on when appropriate.

I’ve learned the strong commitment it takes to sometimes put those blinders on. it’s okay to look back and remember the events in your life. After all, the sum total of our past manifests itself in our present selves. But the longer we stay in the past the longer we delay the future. The longer we delay what’s in front of us. The last time I checked our eyes were in front of us. I’m guessing that was part of God’s design as He intended for us to move forward.

I still notice the reservoir every time I pass it. But I don’t find myself thinking about the fateful July day I failed to realize how quickly a body of water can in fact dry up. Instead, I usually find myself looking forward to the day when I can jump in the water again. It makes for great motivation as I head to my workouts.

Last Thursday, the day before my reunion, I reached another milestone during one of my workouts. I was able to sit on the edge of the table and balance myself, unassisted, for nearly 5 minutes. I certainly had to work hard for it and was still pretty sore Saturday night as I headed off to the James McMurtry concert with my friends.

But I like being sore.

I like reconnecting with my past, especially when it involves former classmates.

I like setting new goals.

I like looking ahead to my future.

And I like to keep connecting the old days with my new days.

Stand Strong!

Scott