Ride, skate and LiveSTRONG

Cindi is a 2 year cancer survivor, a competitive bike racer and speed skater. This blog is dedicated to promoting a "LiveSTRONG" lifestyle.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

An Anniversary to remember!

On May 19th, I received a phone call on my cell phone. It was from a woman who identified herself as Kathy Sellers, from the United States Olympic Committee.

In February, I had been named "Volunteer coach of the year" by US Speed Skating, and they then submitted my nomination, along with all the other "coaches of the year" from the other Olympic sports to the Olympic committee for the overall coach of the year.

On April 22nd, (the day of the Indianapolis "Race for the Cure") I received a letter from the US Olympic Committee informing me that my name was in the top 5 candidates for the coach of the year award. I was very honored just to have been named coach of the year for speed skating... and to be named top 5 was a huge honor in itself.

So when Kathy Sellers identified herself, I was expecting to hear that I was a runner up.... but she congratulated me, and I was still ready to hear the words that someone else had been named. She congratulated me, as I had been named "US Olympic Committee Volunteer Coach of the year". I had to sit down. My hands where pale and trembling.

After our phone conversation, I was floating, no, bouncing through the hallway at work. I told my Paul (my boss) and Mary (HR) that I was worthless for the rest of the day and I was going home. I told them why and they said "no problem".

It took all the strength and restraint I could muster, not to call my Husband Ken and blurt the news out to him. When I saw him for lunch I ran straight to him and jumped into his arms and hugged him as tight as I could. His response was "Good news?"

I told him and I cried and laughed and jumped up and down. What an awesome day.I did not return to work, but went on a bike ride. (of course)

upon returning from the ride, there was a message on my home answering machine. I listened as the woman on the machine identified herself as being from the IU Cancer Center. There had been a drawing of cancer patient's names. 50 names drawn for 2 tickets to the Indianapolis 500 race, and 5 tickets drawn for 2 tickets each for a black tie dinner / fundraiser with Lance Armstrong as featured speaker.

The voice on the machine informed me that I needed to call her. Of course I returned the call as soon as I could and the news was that my name had been the first name drawn for the black tie dinner. FANTASTIC!!! And on top of that, it was to be held on May 27th. Our 16th Wedding Anniversary!What a way to celebrate.

I called my Mother and shared with her my day. She told me I should buy a lottery ticket (which I didn't... should have!) and that I should circle this date on the calendar and remember this date as a lucky day!When I did look at the calendar, it suddenly struck me that this date was already circled. Not only was it my sister-in-laws birthday, but it was exactly 2 years ago to the day that I received another phone call. This call was from my friend and physician telling me that I had cancer. 2 years ago on this date I was asking “Lord, what did I do wrong to deserve this?”. Now I am asking “Lord, what did I do right?”