July 7, 2006 - Day 3 - Week 14 - Banged Up a Little

The wisdom of others is often encapsulated in a pithy, terse statement that is then recorded for posterity by someone else.  Famous quotations often become motivation for behavioral change. I must admit that I am always on the prowl for quotable quotes that take me in new directions or deepen my understanding of the direction I am pursuing.  I most often glean the quotes from books, but recently, Katy and I were watching the movie Sea Biscuit for the second time, and lo and behold, a good movie based upon real events, provide me with  some memorable quotes, and one in particular that speaks to me today.

Tom Smith, the wise and seasoned horse trainer who had a second sense about animals, turned to the prospective buyer of this short, 15 hands high misshapen excuse for a horse called Sea Biscuit, and commented “you don’t throw a whole life away just cause you’re banged up a little.”

Banged up and mistreated this forgotten and maligned horse became for a depressed America, a symbol of hope and new beginnings.  Through patience and understanding Sea Biscuit was given second and third chances, as were both the trainer and Red the over-sized jockey. The triumvirate of misfits was all banged up a little, but they formed a triangle of mutual support and admiration and rose victorious, against all odds.

Frankly, everyone I know gets banged up a little bit once in awhile.  In addition, my friends and family, as well as acquaintances, seem to accept and work through the bumps in the road with dignity and perseverance.  Granted we all know a few complainers who get banged up and milk it for all its worth, but most try and grow through the hardships with grace and humility.

If you have been following along with the Compact you are aware that the Kreitler family has been banged up a little lately.  Cancer hitting two of us at the same time is perhaps a bit unusual, but we are no different than most families. There is always a bend in the road or a curveball to hit on occasion; currently our path is both hilly and winding at the same time.   Yet our family believes each day is remarkable, in that as the sun rises we have the chance of a new beginning as well.  As with the unlikely team that pushed Sea Biscuit to brilliance through the most adverse circumstances, we have attempted to view sunrise as opportunity to make the best of each new day.

The report; I am doing well a week after round four of chemo therapy.  Jennifer is doing well as she recovers from her surgery.  Her mother-in-law Cam has come from Indiana to help corral Megan (3) and Theo (6) for a few days.  Friends have brought meals, and the idea that ‘it may take a team to support one banged up a little’ has become very real for our family.

I used to extol the virtues of ball players who could play a double header on Sundays.  Our family is under going a double header right now and to those who have reached out to Jen and Mark and to us, thanks, and our strength emanates through the good efforts of others.  We may be banged up a little, but a little liniment goes along way and we are getting much in many forms.

Oh by the way, if you have not seen Sea Biscuit the movie, rent it, borrow it or buy it, but see it.  It is a story from the depression era that raised the spirit of a nation.  By the time Katy and I had finished, and I was actually trying to shine my shoes as I watched, the lumps in our throats were obvious, and the message was uplifting and timeless.  It also relates to every one of us who are just banged up a little.

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