Beyond Inspiration ...

The irony of writing this piece on ‘inspiration’ ~~ I wasn’t finding any inspiration to write. Say what?

Now that I’ve got that out of the way … What do you find that inspires you? Honestly, take a moment and think about those things in life that bring you inspiration.

One of the first that come to mind for me, is the beauty of creation. Whether it was those first trips into the Sierra’s, or childhood visits to Iowa … for this LA raised boy, viewing the phenomenal wonder of the stars … that ~ has always brought a sense of inspiration. As well, inspiration is revealed in the beauty of a waterfall, or waves crashing on the oceans, or the wonder discovered in rocks. Some, are even called, “El Capitan’! Each of these bring both joy and inspiration.

I would imagine that for most of us music can bring a deep sense of inspiration. Who doesn’t get inspired by, ‘Gonna Fly Now’, the song that is also known as the ‘Theme from Rocky’. Or, how about John Mayer and his song ‘Say’, from the movie the ‘Bucket List’. Some of my favorites on the Christian artist side are, ‘Need You Now’, by Plumb. The very song that I included on the last of fifty blogs that I wrote in regards to my firefighting career. Or there is ‘Desert Road’ by Casting Crowns. I must have listened to this song more than a dozen times while driving through the southeastern Californian desert, just prior to my arrival into Sonora, Mexico, enroute to my youth baseball camp. If I, or if you took time, I imagine that there could be dozens of songs that have been of great inspiration throughout our lives. I’ll mention one last one toward the end of this blog.

I’m not sure if this is accurate … but, I believe that which brings the greatest of inspiration, more than those of life’s experiences … are in fact the people that created those experiences in the first place. As with songs, or even creation, many individual’s in our lives could foot the bill. For myself, I need to look no further than my very own mother.

No way! Rugby!

One such life experience, and people from this past week ~~ are those inspirational paralyzed veterans. It was a couple months ago, while in a conversation at church, that George mentioned that the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America), were having their ‘Wheelchair Games’ in Portland, during the week of our independence, in July. I had not heard of such an event. But, immediately I found their website, and later that day I had registered as a volunteer.

Now, as I’m able to reflect on the tremendous opportunities which I and hundreds of other volunteers had to collaborate with these amazing athletes, during these games, I can unwavering say, that I was inspired. Undoubtedly, as an old guy, I have aches and pains. Yet, often with gratefulness, throughout the week, I'd take a moment ... I’d look at my hands, and I would wiggle my fingers ... or my toes. Then, I’d bend my knees, and I'd walk a few steps … and I’d be left ... with ... a smile. I am simply amazed at their dedication, their perseverance, their own inspiration to make the most out of each and every day.

My only regret … as much as I endeavored … I was unable to convince anyone to join with me, either as a fellow volunteer, or as a spectator. This sadly, was their loss. One hour, one shift, one day … and they too … simply would have likewise been inspired. Indeed, you would have :)

Thank you … Whits! Thank you … Darron! Thank you … Rich, and Robert, and Brian, Spanky, René, Steve, Bob and … and … and. This I can say, though the 2023 games were my first time participating with you, indeed, they will not be my last.

Thank you for your inspiration into this life of mine! With admiration, Rick

p.s. One additional song of inspiration. The song that fits most perfectly with these ‘Wheelchair Games’, is one that is likewise found on my blog titled, “Time To Let Go”, from June of 2022. Gary Miracle's statement, and the song by Mercy Me, “Say I Won’t” … 

 Lastly ... a few inspiring quotes:

... "I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine."- Neil Armstrong ~~~ "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." -- Dr. Seuss ~~~ "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." -- Mark Twain ~~~ "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." -- Thomas A. Edison