Flew out to Denver for Juli's celebration of life. And it was indeed a celebration... a little bit of tears, but they were, shall I say, happy tears. Tears of grieving because we miss her. Tears of sadness because we can't process the "why." Tears of realization of how big an impact one can make on another's life. The service wasn't particularly long or drawn out... and I actually expected more to attend, notably missing were friends and family of the kids. (Interesting side note. But nothing of substance.).
Thank you Juli, for the footprint you have left in my life.
Then that night... I had a celebration of my own life. One of my direct reports invited me to go white water rafting. I hesitated a little... but said yes. Almost regretting it... because water and I just don't mix. As the day drew near... I got to thinking... if there's no life jacket. I'm out. If there's anything fishy. I'm out. If I'm at all uncomfortable... I'm out.
Driving up to the starting point... we were side by side with the river. And it wasn't no Level 3 Cache River. This was easily a Class 4-5!! The river... was white!!! Then as we drove... I got to hear that my DC's brother (the guide), qualified for the Olympic trials. And when we got to our launching point, I saw a bunch of kids come off their 6-person rafts... and a bunch of middle aged professionals board their rafts. So the river was "safe." The gear was all there... including a full on wet suit. So I shut down that voice inside my head and went with it.
Boy was I glad I did!!! Had so much fun. Made a fool of myself. I told the guys, "I've got 20 years on you!" but they didn't mind. Almost fell out the raft a couple of times... but my DC grabbed me just in time. And the scenery was epicly beautiful. I can see why people would want to do this every day for the rest of their lives.
Definitely worth celebrating.