Because I Can

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Several years ago, I saw a piece on the news about a soldier who had had his legs blown off while serving in Iraq.  He was in rehab, and, obviously, would never be able to walk again. After learning his story, every time the dogs and I got to the top of the hill on our morning walk, I’d grab their leashes tight as I gave in to the urge to run down the hill. Taking long strides, I’d watch the trees rush by, I’d savor the morning air on my face, I’d feel my legs pounding the dusty path. I’d say a prayer of thanks for this day and this strong body and the blessing of just being alive.  I’d run down that hill every time, and I would say to myself, “Because I can!”

Hannah and I went to work out this morning.  I’ve just signed up with a gym, and on this rainy Daylight Savings morning, we had decided to make it to the 8am class.  It was Endurance Day at the gym, and after a straight half hour pushing ourselves on the treadmill — going at our base pace, sprinting for 60 seconds, dropping back to our push pace, then sprinting again – we hit the weight room.  We worked on our biceps, our triceps, our abs.  We finished up on the erg for a 1000m row.  It was the first time Hannah and I had worked out together.  Every now and then, I’d steal glances at my pony-tailed teenager next to me, marveling at her strength and stamina. It was a good work out, a hard one. I burned 500 calories this morning and Hannah a little more than that.  Together, we worked up a good, hard sweat.

Afterwards, Hannah and I walked over to Nektar to treat ourselves to healthy morning juice.  I ordered The Buzz – a bright orange drink loaded with carrots and orange, lemon and ginger.  Hannah got the Toxin Flush – an invigorating, green concoction. I thought about how blessed I am to be able to kick off this Spring, the season of renewal, with a workout that challenged and toned our bodies.  How lucky I am, I thought, to be breathing in this clean, rainy air, to be drinking this delicious juice, to be spending time with this daughter.  How lucky I am, I thought, that I can.