The Day My Grandson Became a Man

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Today’s Blog Post


The Day My Grandson Became a Man

Almost 15 years ago this coming April, I met the little guy with the huge head. I heard about his arrival as we drove from our home in Regina, Saskatchewan to Toronto. We were on the highway between Chicago and Detroit when he came into this world. Every Rest Stop along the way I would call his home to see what happened next. His dad had left an answering machine message for all that called to hear.

That day was the turning point in my life. My Grandson Clifford arrived and I became a Grandpa that day and nothing has been the same since that time. Five more family members arrived following Clifford over the next 8 years… 4 more boys and 1 girl.

That day we arrived at the hospital later and I held my GREAT BIG GRANDSON. He had no neck – his head was too big – or maybe his body was big also and the two bignesses didn’t allow for a neck.

As he grew it was so much fun to see what was happening to my first grandson. So many memories either through personal visits or from the photos that the kids sent our way.

This past week I experienced another turning point in my life. Actually it has happened a few times this past few months.

Last week Clifford announced that he intended to enter the YMCA Half Marathon where he would try to run 21 kms. When I heard that he was going to try this my jaw dropped. He hasn’t practiced this kind of thing! Is he nuts???!!? For weeks people having been running all over the city getting ready for this major race. It has taken hours upon hours to get ready for this first big race of the year in our city. And Clifford has not been in any of the practice runs that I could see. In fact with his newly broken arm he has been out of sporting or conditioning action of any sort.

Away Back...
Away back in time I ran Cross Country races at University. Each night we practiced going for a 6 miles race. That was at least 6 nights a week. We practiced for two months and clocked about 36 to 40 miles per week. I was in excellent shape.

However just before the race I re-fractured an ankle – but had to run for the University or we would be disqualified. With only 5 men on the team we had no replacements and I had to do it.

Yes it hurt big time – and all the time that I ran. I wrapped it with tensor bandages and then ran 10 steps and hobbled 10 steps for the full 4 and ½ Miles of that very fast race in Calgary, Alberta.

I placed 49 out of 50 men running. I passed one guy on the steep hill near the Bow River. He was being lifted on to a stretcher and placed in the ambulance. I beat one person. Oh Boy!

Last Sunday…
Last Sunday Clifford Ross Lindsay lined up with 331 runners to take off on the longest run of his little life at about noon.

I saw the photos later. There was my grandson in the pack of men and women leaving the starting line with a big grin on his face. At 14 years old(soon to be 15) he was in the pack and heading south.

I waited with my daughter Dana at the finish line. We arrived about the 1 Hour and 39 Minute mark after the race had started. The powerful runners were crossing the finish line with their mouths gasping for breath. Saliva and drool was all over their faces as they sped toward that finish line. Anguish was written over many faces as they crossed over the line.

But – there was no Clifford Ross Lindsay in the steady stream of people coming home. They were coming back from running all the way to the airport and back. Before this race Clifford had no idea where the airport was. I couldn’t help but feel the anxious and frightening feeling that my grandson had died along the way and none of these fast paced adults had stopped to help my poor grandson. Should we leave at that moment to pick him up? Where is he? The rising panic needed to be suppressed – moment by moment.

Dana and I strained for the next 20 minutes to see if we could see his yellow shirt coming along the road way towards us.

Then Dana said, “There he comes Dad. I know its him by the way he is running. Moms know their kids. Sure enough – there he was and doing very well as he pushed harder and harder toward the finish line – even passing more people as he came in!!!!

At 2 Hours, 3 Minutes, 37.3 Seconds he crossed the finish line!

Clifford Ross Lindsay placed 219th out of 331 runners – men and women. He was 219 out of 277 Men racing. And did I mention – he was the YOUNGEST at 14!!!!? And I know I said this earlier – he never practiced and has never run a Half Marathon ever before.

He was a wee bit white in colour and headed directly for the Gatorade Table. His first words were, “I never walked at all – but ran the whole way!”

It was with great pride that I let the anxious feelings slip away. I know now that this GUY can do anything that he puts his hear and mind to. Nothing will stop Clifford.

As I stood there watching Clifford I remembered Calgary and the pats on my back as I crossed the finish line. The winner had come up to me and gave me his tag saying, “Good for you… you finished. I saw that you were kind of limping. Good finish!”

I smiled.

I suspect that we will now be traveling a little more as Clifford selects the next race that he will conquer. Hmmm… Toronto… Montreal… New York… Boston…

Yep – I would love to see those places. Way to go Clifford. Grandpa is pulling for you and believes you can do it. I was a little doubtful last week – but not now!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
http://www.murraylincoln.com/

Check out
http://www.mykawartha.com/sports/article/626993--athlete-of-the-week-clifford-lindsay