Iron Man

Josiah sauntered into my office last week and asked me if he could be in a race at his school. Unfortunately, my first question was the same as it always is when I am asked about a sporting event – “How much does it cost?” He didn’t think it would cost anything, but he would need to go to school early. He really wanted to race because there was a kid from Sudan there and apparently he is seen as the fastest kid at his age in the district. I could see in his eyes that he had something to prove, so I said, “Sure”. He said, “Thanks Dad” and walked out. I didn’t think about it again until yesterday. Turns out he needed $30 to run the race. He felt so bad about it that he offered to pay the price of admission – he’s an incredible kid. I wish I was as humble and helpful as he is when I was his age.

So yesterday afternoon he staggered into my office like he had been hit by a train.

Dad: “You ok?”
Josiah: “No.”
Dad: (for Josiah to say that he is not OK is something to sit up at, and I did) What’s wrong?
Josiah: “I’m very tired and my feet hurt.”
Dad: Oh, I thought something was really wrong with you. (he smiles)
Josiah: “I won the race today.”
Dad: Really? That’s awesome man! How fast did you run it?
Josiah: 1 hour and 14 minutes
Dad: 1 hour and 14 minutes, and you still won the race? How far did you run?
Josiah: 10 miles
Dad: (in astonishment) 10 miles?!? You ran 10 miles today??
Josiah: Yes. They said run and so I run. Many, many kids ran maybe 1 mile and walked the rest of the time, but I ran it all.
Dad: Good grief man, are you ok?
Josiah: I have bubbles on my feet, and the nurse put bandages on them…but I’m OK.

I gave him a big hug and praised him some more. We then looked at the blisters on his feet and there were several. He is still sore today, rightfully so. I continue to be amazed at his athleticism – he is truly my Iron Man.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 at 2:55 am and is filed under Family, Parenting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.