By Kate Bennett, PsyD
Tuesday evening, tragedy fell upon the Colorado Springs Velodrome. A venue beloved by many athletes, the track quickly became a space filled with sorrow as a life was lost in the matter of minutes. While I did not know Vic personally, I would say that I had a close relationship with his rear wheel. When I raced with the men, he was a rider that I could count on to be steady, thoughtful, and determined. He was a safe wheel to draft off of. His presence on the infield seemed quite similar, peaceful but focused and determined. I shared that oval of banked cement with Vic for several years and will always respect his quiet tenacity. In the wake of his passing, I ask two things of you:
1. Lift Vic’s family and friends up in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers. I am certain their sorrow penetrates deeper than we could ever imagine.
2. Use this weekend to reflect on what you are grateful for rather than focus on what you are dissatisfied with. Take a moment to think about the people that offer you joy, support, and comfort. Identify all of the wonderfully miraculous things about your body that create strength and stamina to pursue your goals. Consider the simple pleasures that you frequently take for granted in the midst of the daily grind.
As I power down for the weekend, I am grateful for my husband, our awesome rescue dog, our families and friends, my health, the Rocky mountains and Colorado blue skies, Pandora, homemade pizza, gelato, physical and mental strength to train for a marathon, rest days on weekends, the peace and stillness of our neighborhood late at night and early in the morning, the opportunity to do what I love as a living…and so much more.
I am also grateful that I had the fortunate opportunity to ride and race with a man named Vic.
What are you grateful for?
Image courtesy of positiveparentingconnection.net