its now or never.

I'm sorry the picture is so tiny, but my scanner doesn't scan slides too well, and this had to be done in short notice. That's me on the left, and the funny squinty guy was one my best friends growing up. Nothing ever came between us; we just drifted apart over the years and living rather far from each other. Our moms called him Shigechan. He died earlier this morning in a car accident.

I have never lost someone this close to me. Ever. Last year was the first time I attended a funeral, and it wasn't someone I knew very well. As much as I keep feelings to myself, I can't help myself today. I am posting his picture here today because I would like to dedicate myself to doing Peterborough next year, in 2007, for him.

Why am I doing it for him? Simply because I cannot remember this day as the day he died. Today also happens to be my father's birthday. Instead, I will remember him on the day he got married. The day I wanted to do Muskoka Triathlon. June18th, 2006. I will obviously do Muskoka 2007 for him as well, but ultimately I will do Peterborough and I will succeed.

I find it a bit sad that death has been one of my major drives to do triathlon. Am I selfish? Maybe. The reason I started tri, or at least started to run was when my uncle died. After a long battle with a virus that he and my father had, he died. My uncle was a lot more active than my father and I simply couldn't understand. A few weeks or months later, my violin teacher, whom I have known since I was four had a stroke. It was humbling to see this great man whom I have long admired in a state where his body was failing. His mind was clear but could not control his own mouth. I can't imagine a better reason to keep doing it than to remember those who are close to me and to keep myself in as good as health as I possibly can. If not for me, than for those around me.

Shigechan, when I learned you were getting married I thought "wow, he's really growing up!". But when I saw you at your wedding, you were the same goofy, silly guy you always were. You were a kid at heart, and always will be in my memories. You've taught me more than you think, and for that I thank you. May you rest in peace and never grow up. I'm doing this for you - you were always faster than me at undokai (that's the pic, from '83) so its about time I caught up to you!