How many like to wear clothing that makes a statement? Ya know, sets the tone for what lies ahead? Work, sporting event or whatever? I’m big on that. For instance, in canvassing neighborhoods for the RISE UP campaign while looking for signatures to get on the ballot for Colorado’s House District 6, I frequently wear a Denver East High School pullover, or CU Buffs cold-weather jacket or something else personal and pertinent to the area of town your knucklehead scribe is wandering.
It’s a good conversation starter. Anyway, the point being most of us have moments where we put on the “uniform” to represent something bigger than ourselves. Like, all the darn Broncos’ gear you see?
Which sets the stage for an update on my Friday morning Platoon buddy battling cancer. “My wife started something on Caring Bridge,” the faithful warrior proclaimed while rising from his seat, pulling back an outer garment and revealing a t-shirt. “Every time I go in for radiation, I wear a different one. The statement on the t-shirt inspires me to persevere.”
Wow, what a great idea by his wife. Let’s have some fun. Do you have a favorite t-shirt? One that transforms your thinking from chump to champ? One that inspires you to stay courageous despite the roller coaster ride ahead? One you could offer to Doug – mail it to me and I’ll deliver - for one of his treatments? The father of six, every time - 33 total - he’s strapped in the cranium cage for a blast of potentially life-saving radiation, would know there’s plenty of folks out there rooting for a miracle.
If you’re interested, let me know. For instance, he and I have already chatted about him wearing an A Stronger Cord t-shirt for an upcoming treatment. All the knuckleheads out there want him to know thoughts and prayers are pouring his way. Also, thanks to many of you who are doing the same. “I’m still riding that wave” is what the great dude reported as we chatted.
Folks, it’s just the latest example of something we know as truth. The more we encourage one another the better off we’re gonna be, right? This is not rocket science. It’s really pretty simple, just not easy. We’ve become too isolated from one another these days. It’s challenging to encourage one another if we’re not connected.
As an incredibly precise laser attacks a cancer trying to snuff the light out of a guy who has an eternal beam of hope. He’s enthusiastically wearing different t-shirts into battle. They give him hope and confidence.
Always a good thing. The battle might be to whip addiction, cancer, bad relationships, poor attitude, incarceration, homelessness or something else. Our wellness is threatened: physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually. Maybe all four at once. Ouch.
We need hope and confidence for such trials. This week, let’s live the motto on an ol’ t-shirt. Yep, find it and live it. The weathered rag is probably worth little, but sure means a lot for the courageous and triumphant spirit it represents.
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