Raw Emotion

How is the triathlon going was the text I recieved. I didn't have the words to even begin to describe what was taking place in front of our eyes. The only response I could give was raw emotion.

This wasn't the way it was suppose to play out, this day was suppose to be a fun filled family event as Paul and Kyle toured the north side of valpo via swimming, biking, and running. They accomplished their goal and they finished the triathlon but it was after pain staking hard work, effort, and determination by Paul.

Did Kyle have fun during the race is a question we were asked many times? Fun was not the word to describe what they or we experienced last Saturday. Heart wrenching, inspiring, heart warming, determination, a desire not to give up those are the more appropriate words.


It has taken me a week to process through the emotions and visual images of the day. This triathlon was a very good metaphor for Kyle's life.

Isaiah 40:31- but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.



This picture sums up a thousand words. When I first saw this picture the first thought that came to mind was the poem/story of Footprints in the sand. Kyle didn't have the physical strength to do the race, but there is Paul carrying him even while the physical difficulty was very evident.

What will be taken from a day like this? A man embodied what it was like to love and serve the weak. He gave of himself selflessly, and in the end he gave us a small image of what God does for each of us.