YOU’RE NEVER TOO…ANYTHING
Between 17 August and 1 September, two events touched my life as few others have. The first was watching 17-year-old Leahi Camacho become the youngest swimmer to swim the 26 mile Moloka’i channel from Moloka’i to Oahu. The second was Diana Nyad’s triumph in her 103 mile swim from Cuba to Key West.
Through a mutual friend of her father I was able to access a tracking map to follow Leahi’s progress. Although she’s unaware of it, when I swam my laps that day I went a mile with her.
While she had a lot of support, I wonder how many well-meaning friends or relatives told her she was nuts. Long swim for someone so young. Think about it in a few years, when you’re older. Stronger. More mature.
If this was the case, I’m happy she didn’t listen. She knew the risks involved and dove in headfirst to follow her heart.
On the flip side, when are you too old to dream? Is it when you turn 60? Or maybe when you’ve blown out the candles on your 65th birthday cake and are eligible for Medicare?
It’s my personal belief when you’re too old to dream and learn you might as well plan the funeral. You’re already dead.
On that note, I turn to a new role model in my life. Diana Nyad. Four times she tried and failed to swim from Cuba to Florida. Did she give up? Not a chance. At the tender age of 64 she achieved her goal.
Does this mean I’m going to attempt a long distance swim, like my two heroes? I don’t think so, but the thought is in the realm of possibility. But, for the time being, I’m happy to swim laps in a much smaller body of water.
The pool is my think tank. Unfettered by gravity, my mind is free to tell me stories. With each stroke I’m closer to reaching my goals. To dream. To write.
“It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” T.S. Eliot.
Good reminder to never stop dreaming, Rochelle, whether small, someone prosaic dreams or big, world-class ones. I need to find a new dream or two myself. Thanks for the reminder!
janet
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Dear Janet,
I still get excited when I learn something new. I think that goes right along with dreaming. Always happy to remind. Thanks for commenting. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“The pool is my think tank. Unfettered by gravity, my mind is free to tell me stories. With each stroke I’m closer to reaching my goals. To dream. To write.” I love that!
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Thank you, Danny.
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Thank you for sharing that. Touching.
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Thank you for dropping by, Alex. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aren’t naiads female water spirits? The name Diana Nyad reminded me of that word, and the connection made me smile.
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Dear Jennie,
I love the connection, too. From one water spirit to another. Thanks for swimming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sorry I missed last week. Dadinlaw had surgery Friday to remove two of three brain tumors. It is a huge praise and living example of God’s love for us. Dadinlaw woke shortly after surgery and was able to speak for the first time in months! He can also now use his left hand, and feel his left side. This is better than we could have ever prayed for. We asked for mere survival… we got healing! the cancer is gone! The nocardio infection is gone! The brain tumors are HISTory! I’m just a little excited, can’t ya tell?
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Dear Buffy,
Friday Fictioneers can always take a backseat to wonderful life experiences. Thanks for sharing your happy news.
shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a timely reminder to hang on and dare to dream, which also does require action to realize dreams do come true.
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Dear Yizzie,
I’m counting on dreams coming true. 😉
Thanks for coming by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for visiting my blog today. Come back soon. Haven’t written anything in awhile. Maybe I need to take a swim for clarity. Always feel better in the water!
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Dear LY,
Nothing brings me out of a slump like a good, rigorous swim. Nice to find a kindred spirit or would that be kindred sprite? 😉
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I like T.S. Eliot’s quote as well as your personal belief regarding about giving up on those dreams. Much wisdom shared today.
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Dear Patti,
Glad you dropped by and share my sentiment. One of the first things Ms. Nyad said after her 103 mile triumph was, “Never give up on your dreams.”
shalom,
Rochelle
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