Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Grateful to celebrate yet another birthday
Yesterday was my birthday – my first since lockdowns started – so like most of the population, I had to do without a big gathering.
However, I was lucky enough to have most of those I love around me. As it’s the only birthday I’ll get in 2021, I made the most of it – of course, I practised what I preach, staying safe, but having a great time with my wife and my youngest.
Despite not being with my older kids, I also used the time to look back on where I was last year and remind myself just how lucky I was and still am.
My birthday last year was spent competing in an excellent “Global Limits” jungle ultramarathon in the tiny country of Sao Tome. I remember witnessing, in the rural areas, a population that had so little – many places had no running water, electricity or proper sanitation. I am lucky indeed!
With my “grasp every opportunity” mentality, it never occurred to me that it was the last big overseas’ ultramarathon I could run for over a year. So yesterday made me realise how we all take for granted even the simple stuff in life when really we should appreciate every tiny nuance.
So this year I didn’t take my birthday for granted.
Having incurable cancer makes each one another unexpected milestone anyway, but I also took the chance to look back, speak to and message friends, watch telly with the family, cook favourite meals, enjoy being safe, warm and just feeling lucky and happy to be alive, while still being able to get out and run.
On the running subject, I also finished my 3,670-kilometre running challenge in 10 months.
But rather than rest on that laurel, I now have the fun of planning the next virtual run.
I hope you too find those great things in life that often we forget to cherish – and share your joy with others too.
Until next week
Kev
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Lockdown made it different but I enjoyed being warm, safe & loved