Where do I begin...

In the beginning, events are so trivial that they seem unimportant. By the time the implications of those "small" moments are perceiveable, the beginning is faded or even lost. I know the sudden death of David sparked the idea, and I remember Kelsey saying, "if its for Daivd, I'm in" but the sequence of events is sketchy. Now it is, March 18, 2007 and another incredible journey is in full form: The Drava River Swim. Most days there are moments when between work, home, training and preparing for the swim it feels as if my head is going to explode. During those times, I wonder why I cannot seem to make a place in my life for staying at home and relaxing. This morning was unreasonably hectic, a Saturday and the first day of Spring break. Frazzled, I rushed to the Post Office two minutes before it closed and found a letter in my box from a Russian friend. Her last letter was over three years ago. When I read it, I literally broke down and cried- just missing an oncoming truck. This is what her letter said,

"My mother is blind and I work more than usual. It takes all of my free time to care about my mother. I am too tired to write at nights like I use to and there is little to write about. Don't be offended by my silence, please! You opened the window to the world for me! You gave me so much-you cannot even imagine!"

After reading that, it was Niagra Falls, tears of sadness and regret pouring down my face. Here this woman is applauding my input in her life when it is she that so deeply enriched mine. The life lessons she taught me through her experiences during the fall of communism continue to effect my view on society. I wonder...Did I tell her enough times in my letters? Does she have an inkling of the compassion I learned from her? Does she realize the iron door she opened releasing me from my shallow, selfish, family centered world? Does she know that my biggest failure in life is that I did not have the ability to bring her to the US for a visit? Does she know I continue to ponder ideas for that visit? And now, is it impossible for her to visit when she is sandwiched between her offspring and her mother's needs?

After just missing the truck and regaining control of the jeep after fishtailing in the gravel on the side of the road, my eyes dried and I finsihed reading the letter. Afterwards, the Drava swim took on more importance than ever. When we connect with people and our environments we have an effect. It is either positive or negative. The choice is an important one, and it is ours to make. Usually we never know the outcome of our words, random acts of kindness or compassion but rest assured, they are there and they make a difference.

"Be the change you wish to see in the World" Gandhi