INSPIRATION - PART 3 - My Happy Place

The final installment of what Inspires me definitely has to be the great outdoors. I think about where I feel most at home, what relaxes me most, what puts a smile on my face and the answer keeps coming back to "The River". I love being on the water, either fishing in a boat, paddling in my kayak or screaming on the jet ski. I am in awe of the rivers power, beauty, sustainability and fertility. I am humbled by it's power and unpredictability. I live on the banks of the Columbia River and it is better than any TV show out there, it is dynamic, constantly moving and changing, and a home for people, birds, fish and whatever else lies under raging waters. The Adventure Challenge is an exciting prospect for me as it combines all the things I love to do (with the exception of running, but i guess there has to be some sacrifices).

WHAT INSPIRES ME - PART 2

So the second Post of my Inspirations is quite simple, its all about KIDS. The reason I chose to compete in the Adventure Challenge was because of the fundraising component for Canuck Place. I have spent most of my life and all of my career focussed on providing great experiences for kids. In my 25 year career as a teacher, administrator and now teaching professor, I have met some amazing kids. Through social networking, I have recently connected with many of my former students from the mid 80's. It is inspiring to see them grown up with careers and families and living great lives. You only hope you played some kind of role in shaping who they have become. But the ones who stick in my mind are the ones who have passed away. I can count 5 students that I personally taught who have passed away from cancer or other terminal diseases. That number rises as you tally accidents.

Life sometimes isn't fair and no child should have to endure terminal illness or painful rehabilitations. This is why Canuck Place and B.C. Children's Hospital are so important. I was recently invited to BC Children's Hospital to tour the facility but I'm not sure I can do it, I'm not sure I can put on a brave enough face.

My daughter seems to have taken on the passion for children as well. This is a picture of a young African who was a victim of violence during the last election in Kenya. Nikole spent countless hours teaching, playing and counselling. I'm so very proud of her. Whenever I don't feel like going for a run or training very hard, all I need to do is think of Canuck Place or BC Children's Hospital. GIVE GENEROUSLY and pray that if your children ever have to be in one of these places, it is to help.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

This is a 3 part Post on the what Inspires me. Inspiration is a person or work of art that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

My wife inspires me because of her relentless determination. Once she finds a cause, she is like a Pit Bull with a bone, you couldn't pry it out of her mouth to save your life. At 40 she decided to bike to Vancouver. She trained, set the trip up and did the trip solo. A few years ago she went back to school and won a National Award for the top student in the Private Club Industry and last year she trained for 7 months and finished 10th in Western Canada as a figure athlete transforming her body into a chiseled machine. DETERMINATION

My daughter inspires me because of her Service. At the age of 17 she went to Africa and fell in love with the people. She now lives in Nairobi devoting her life to helping the poor and underprivileged. She sacrifices so much so others can gain hope. I am amazed by her devotion. SERVICE.

My son inspires me because of his work ethic. Nothing of value comes without hard work and what he lacks in talent, he makes up in grit. He understands how hard he has to work to be successful and is willing to put the time and effort in. He has turned into such a fine young man. HARD WORK.

And finally my MOM, my mom has been battling Cancer the last 3 years and is in her third round of chemotherapy. Her COURAGE is absolutely inspiring. She never complains, never feels sorry for herself and always puts others before herself. I am so excited to have her come up and live with us for good. COURAGE.

So in this first part of what inspires me, my FAMILY leads me to try to be Determined, Courageous, Hard Working and Benevolent. I have the greatest role models in the world, talk about inspirations. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?