an open letter to st. george

dear st george-

it seems like just yesterday i was introducing myself to you.  i was wondering about your history, your elevation, your landscape.  i wondered what your rainfall was, your water temperature.  and i wondered if i would like you when we met. or if you would be just a blip in the radar of my "maybe somedays". 

back then, i had a lot on my plate george. may i call you that?  

my plan for life turned around on me and where i was was not actually where i thought i would be.  then as it turns out, a good friend of mine had met your brother the cheese lover in wisconsin the year prior.  she thought you and i should meet.  she said it might help.  i had no idea what she meant but it seemed at that point, i needed all the help i could get. 



truth be told, its not easy to get a hold of you guys, but you, george, you made it easy on us.  i think you are still accepting friends into your circle???  just days before i'll see you again. 


when we first met at training camp i wasn't sure what to expect.  would you be nice? kind? would you prove me to be an embarrassment to myself?  would you just serve me a platter of humble pie, laugh and say maybe next time curry? 

you did not. and i was so surprised. 

through you i met my tri family, my support system, and what has proven to be my life line.  i laughed harder than i had in years and took on your hills, your "walls", and your elevation.  i didn't doubt my abilities as much anymore after we met and as it turned out you and i became instant friends.  i hate that wall and i hate that stretch right after your little pie shop (some of us call it hawaii but you know better).  and oddly enough i don't think i've ever used your name in vain.  it was more forced positive talk than it was hatred.  it was almost as if God was saying "you haven't learned how to do it in the past so i'm showing you how now.... the hard way".  since our meeting, i've slipped up, i've juggled to many things at once, and i've made some mistakes.  but i've managed to still find comfort in knowing i can always rely on what you taught me. 

you are a good friend, george.  thank you for teaching me how to just "sit back and enjoy the ride"  i can't wait to see you on saturday.

your friend for life,

curry