Tribute to Uncle Gene

August 18, 2008 - Today is my younger sister's birthday, she is 39.  It is also my older sister's anniversary, 28 years.  It is also the day that my Uncle Gene took a step from this life to life eternal.  It is a day worth remembering.  Uncle Gene lived 93 years.  What I mean is that he "lived".  As long as I can remember he was full of life, I mean I never saw him down.  Once, back in the early 90's, I went and visited him in the hospital in Memphis.  He needed some blood so a group of us donated.  While in the hospital room, he was entertaining us with stories; mostly about the attention, or lack thereof, he was getting from the nursing staff.  Not for one minute did he complain about his illness, but rather was content on recalling past experiences and making those experiences relevant to the moment.

On several occasions, while traveling on business, I was able to stop in and visit with him at his home.  He was always excited to see me and welcomed me in with open arms.  During our visits, he would fill the conversation with the triumphs of his sons and daughter, as well as the exploits of his grandchildren.  He would always provide me with history lessons regarding our family and it's legacy.  I can remember very vividly how he would raise his right hand about chest high, hold it there until I was finished talking, and then go on to tell me about an experience or funny story that was related to our conversation.  Our discussions would stimulate a memory and he seemed delighted to recount his experiences.  

I remember talking about the War, the history of the family and it's roots, his experiences as a salesman with the Langenberg  (sp) Hat Company, and a bit of advice to a young businessman like myself.

If I could talk to him now, I am sure he would be telling me another exciting story about the amazing sights and experiences he is having in Heaven.  I am sure that Aunt Vadine, Uncle Bill, Grandma and Granddad have already had a chance to reunite.  I imagine that My Aunt Sylvia was the first one to wrap her arms around him and say " I have been waiting on you, welcome home...I can't wait to show you around."  Well, one day, we will meet again, and I am sure he will have some great stories to pass on to me.  Until then, I have been uniquely blessed to have a relative like Uncle Gene.  

He heeded the call to arms when his country needed his service, he was a dedicated husband, he was a wonderful father to his two sons and one daughter.  He was a productive, hard-working American, who instilled the values of self-worth, faith in God, servant leadership, and love to his family and friends.  He was part of a generation of Americans that made is possible for me to live and thrive in this country.  He and his generation laid a foundation on which this country has been built and made it possible for you and I to achieve and dream.  

He will be missed...but only for a little while.  I will see him again.

Naperville Tri

Sunday August 10 was a beautiful morning in the Chicago Area.  several Multisport Madness friends and I participated in the 4th annual Naperville sprint Triathlon.  This particular race consisted of a 400M swim, 20K Bike followed by a 5k run.  I finished in 1:25:14, which was about 542nd place out of 2000.  The most difficult part of the race was the swim.  Although the swim was only 400 meters, the course consisted of three buoys in a small swimming area.  The turns ended up being extremely congested.  At the first buoy I had to tread water and wait for a lane to open.  There were just too many people making the turn at the same time.  Although the swim was congested, I would still recommend this race to anyone.  If you are a newbie, then this race will be a good challenge and get  you acquainted with the triathlon experience.  If you are experienced, this race is a good Sunday morning brick, perhaps a warm-up for the Chicago Olympic distance, or Madison IM.  The Bike portion is two loops and  is flat and fast, but does have a few tight turns and can be tricky with less experienced riders on the course.  The Run begins on one of the Riverwalk paths and is very nice and flat.  This race reminds me of the Batavia sprint in June as they are similar in distance and layout.  I will be doing this race again next year.