partner in pain

It's funny how you find inspiration in places you'd never expect. Last night I went to the 7th Heaven show at the Lodge in Lisle to cut loose, dance (best I could in a cast) and enjoy the sights and sounds of my favorite local band. I wanted to forget about my stupid broken foot and all of the disappoinment I've been feeling lately about not running. I was looking for escapism, nothing more.

[Some background - I've been to more 7th Heaven shows than I can count. The band, in addition to being very talented (and super hot!) are unpretentious, laid-back guys who get to know their followers and allow us to get to know them. I've had the pleasure of meeting and talking extensively to each one of them.

Mark Kennetz is the bass player of the band. I had my picture taken with him on New Year's Eve 2010 (above).

In addition to being an amazing musician, Mark is an accomplished athlete-- rollerblader, roller hockey player, runner. He dazzles the fans with his Gumby-like contortionist moves on the stage. The picture above doesn't even come close to showing his extremes.]

I'm Facebook friends with all of the band members, so I knew that Mark had surgery on his knee this past Tuesday. But in the midst of feeling sorry for myself, I had forgotten. Then I saw him limp onto stage in a cast (the granddaddy version of my own-- see above) and stand next to a stool to play and sing. Only 4 days post-op. Here's a guy who-- like me-- has been restricted by injury from fully experiencing the physicality that he loves. I admit that my vision is usually zeroed in on Nick, but last night my attention was focused on Mark. I watched him perform despite all of the discomfort and disappoinment he must have been feeling. And he did it with a smile and a sense of palpable joy. Everyone's injury is unique and personal and you shouldn't compare, but seeing his energy made me feel ashamed of my own pessimism-- hell, I haven't even had surgery and my cast is much less unwieldy than his. His example moved me and gave me a new burst of optimism and hope. If he can embrace his injury with a spirit of acceptance, there's no reason that I can't do the same.

I felt so much appreciation for him inadvertently communicating this message of strength to me that I sent him a message after the show (I wanted to talk with him in person but it was very crowded there). I told him how his courage gave me courage and I thanked him for inspiring me. His message back is as follows:

Awwwww thx sweetie:) thats how i roll, it was a bit weird from a stool but im very motivated to get better and be out of gimp status asap :) sees ya soon :) good luck with ur foot :) as Yoda would say "may the force be with you!" ;)

I needed that reminder at that moment that motivation is key. May the force be with you, too, Mark. Rock on!!!