There once was a time when days of playing tag, riding bikes, swimming, and playing our favorite sports gave us hope and gave us dreams.  But just as quickly as the sun rises, and then sets, those days pass, and we find ourselves wondering where all the time has gone.  For some, the aging process comes gracefully.  It doesn't hit like a virus, weakening the body.  And with the body comes the mind.  For those who age long before their time, life deals a devestating blow.  But those who are able to beat the odds, stay trim and fit, sports will remain a way of life.  It will keep the mind and muscles strong.  It will give hope, though not the kind of hope that brings millions of dollars...like those we dreamed about as a child.  But it gives us an outlet to meet others and to build our self esteem.  It is as much a part of our lives as our sleep, our jobs, and our nutrition.

As a child my dad would take me to the nearest ball park, where he would hit fly balls to me.  He was my hero at that age.  I was barely old enough to go to school.  He was very encouraging, teaching me the fundamentals as a good coach would do.  From my T-Ball years all the way to high school, baseball was a part of my life.  My game was not a game of power.  But it was precise, and it was skilled.  My stature was never intimidating as a child, as I was always one of the smallest in my class.  But my competitiveness and my skills allowed me to keep up with the big dogs. 

As a freshman in high school I decided to try out for the wrestling team.  Not only did this give me more discipline than I had ever had in my life to that point, but it cut that ever present baby fat that seemed to linger.  My high school years were spent wrestling in the winter and playing baseball in the spring.  However, my senior year of high school brought forth a devestating blow to my athletic career.  During a routine dentist appointment on December 26, 1990, it was discovered that I had a heart defect that could be life threatening.  To put it simply, I had a runaway heart.  For the next year, I was in and out of hospitals, and my athletic career was non-existant.  It was devestating.  But by a God send miracle, doctors at Duke University (Yes, I'm a Tar Heel fan) performed a new procedure on my heart, and in an instant I was a new man.

I had never experienced the kind of energy I had after the surgery.  I felt like I could explode with vigor and with happiness.  All the things that had been taken from me were mine once again. 

My body began to take on another form.  I had muscles I didn't realize I had.  I had energy that seemed to just race through my body.  As time progressed, I graduated college, then went on to graduate school.  The military had always been a fascination of mine, but never really an option, especially after my heart condition was discovered.  But as graduate school began to come to a close, I began asking myself many questions.  These questions led me to many realizations about my life.  I was a Patriot.  I loved my country.  And I had always wondered what it would be like to be a part of the military, where I could push myself mentally and physically.  But at 28 my prime was quickly slipping away.  So I decided to see what would happen if I attempted to enlist in the U.S. Marines.  I knew that the Marines would push me to the limit.  They would discipline me like no other.  They would test my physical abilities, and they would test my mental abilities.  As fate may have it I passed the physical, and before I knew it, I was on my way to Parris Island, SC. 

At 28 I was pushed harder than I ever had been in my life.  My DI's used my age against me.  I was thrown into a leadership position that I did not expect.  When someone else made a mistake, I paid for it.  But in the end, I not only graduated, but I was an Honor Graduate of Alpha Company.  All of my hard work had paid off.  Little did I know that 9-11 would occur while I was in boot camp...and that changed my life forever.

I know, what does all this have to do with sports and aging.  I am now working in my hometown of Wilkesboro, NC.  I have one year left on my Reserve Duty with the USMC.  If fact, I will leave in early August for an exercise, and will not return until early September.  But here's where I'm going with this.  Age is nothing more than an illusion.  You are only as old as you think you are.  I have seen many of my old high school classmates around.  Some I have seen on the football field during our community flag football games.  The ages of these diehards range anywhere from 18 to 40.  There are many who have continued in their athletic ambitions, though only in a community manner.  But it keeps us close.  It keeps us competitive.  It keeps us physically in tune with our bodies.  It keeps our minds free.  On the flip side, I have seen old classmates who seem to be ashamed that I have even seen them.  One such instance happened just this week in my office.  A young woman, 33, who I had been all the way through school with, walked in the door.  I barely recognized her, as she had probably doubled in weight, and looked at least 10 years older.  She would barely even look at me, with her eyes facing downward at all times.  It seemed like she was very uncomfortable in my presence.  It is times like that, that I realize how blessed I am.  My dad is 60 years old, and he can still whip my crapper.  My mom runs 5k races every year.  And I continue to grind away....on the trails and in the weight room.  And sports is what keeps me young. 

Aging happens only as quickly as we allow it.  Professional athletes stay younger longer because it is their profession.  For the rest of us, it is up to us.  It must remain a part of our everyday routine.  Otherwise, we can sit at home and contribute to the long list of heart disease patients who drain our economy and leave families and friends grieving in the end.  I'm 33 as I write this piece.  But in my mind, I'm still that freaky 22 year old who knew no boundaries, and who still dreamed of being able to just PLAY!!!!