A SANDY (Cataluci) WALK

[Guest guest]

Friends,

I woke up this morning around 5:00 AM, swallowed my morning meds, went

downstairs for coffee/toast and sat for a while looking at the computer-my link

to some very special people who happen to share a big old ugly disease called

RP. On Valentine's Day, 2002 we chatted about forming an exercise group. How

symbolic. A big red heart reminds us of love AND good health. My blood started

pumping. So I put on my workout clothes and walking shoes, did some stretching,

and got on the treadmill. I usually watch the morning news as my remote is

velcro'd to the treadmill next to my cupholder. But this morning was different.

I thought about all of you and wondered how you were feeling this morning. Then

an image of Sandy popped into my head. I saw her laying in a hospital bed

fighting RP and something as ordinary as a winter cold. But, put them together

and they can sure take us down.

A funny thing happened. My RP problems got smaller and smaller. I walked with

a more energetic step this morning, wishing I could channel my energy right into

Sandy. I've been at this walking thing for 11 months, starting with 1/4th mile

that took 30 minutes. Now I can walk 3 miles in 60 minutes. And today's walk

was all for Sandy. I hope every step I took will be a step towards her

improvement.

Not everything in life has to have a purpose. But exercising has always been

about me and my desire to get stronger and healthier. It now has new meaning as

I walk for my good health and Sandy's. It's been said that there is power in

positive thinking. Let's test it. Stretch a few muscles or walk some extra

steps and keep thinking positive thoughts for each other, ourselves, and

especially Sandy.

Walk on,

--