"Between cancer and addiction I’ve had several opportunities to make a premature exit from this life. To look at my remaining days as anything other than a profound gift would be absurd."
So inspiring. I recently was diagnosed with my second round of breast cancer at 68--15 years since the first time. Your story hits all the marks of resilience head on for facing another go with Hurricane Cancer. There may be toppled trees in its path, but we can see the damage behind us in that mirror, while looking directly at ourselves as beings ready to move into new dreams. Thank you.
Thank you for your clear-eyed vision of your life. Misery and whatever form of hangover that follows is the price we pay for believing in magic. And thank you for not romanticizing all you’ve been through as a “journey”. But the persistent and resilient self you see in the mirror each day is probably the closest you can get to your soul. Celebrate it as you do.
Garrett, your questionnaire responses made me really like and care about you, which means you're an awesome writer. I'm old enough to be your mother so I'm gonna play the age card and advise you (with apologies to Kahlil Gibran): quit running ASAP. It's gonna kill your knees and your back (listen to your body). I, too, used to be a distance runner, and miss it. Switch to biking--much kinder to the knees but still an awesome way to see the world, build endurance, trigger the endorphins that you crave as a runner. I'm so happy for you that you're a dad, have found the secret joy of parenting. Now, you will pass each open window for her. I love that you plan to hike with her but don't be crushed if she decides hiking with you is not her thing. Our children come through us but not from us. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. We can give them our love, but not our thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. Just keep passing those open windows. Love, Mom
Wow, Peggy, wonderful response. I like your "don't be crushed" if the daughter doesn't like hiking. My granddaughter, a brilliant little gymnast, doesn't like reading, and my son remains shocked. Here's a suggestion for Garrett: triathlons!In his late fifties, my husband decided that training for marathons was too grueling, so he got himself a bike and a pair of goggles. He now competes in triathlons and duathlons several times a year, sometimes abroad--and he saved his knees!
I admire your drive to keep going! I’m 71 and the one thing I hate about aging are the health issues! I like how you perceive the so called afterlife. I see my self as just becoming part of the ethos.
"Everyday is your birthday" love it
So inspiring. I recently was diagnosed with my second round of breast cancer at 68--15 years since the first time. Your story hits all the marks of resilience head on for facing another go with Hurricane Cancer. There may be toppled trees in its path, but we can see the damage behind us in that mirror, while looking directly at ourselves as beings ready to move into new dreams. Thank you.
Emily, so sorry to hear about the re-diagnosis. Wishing you all the best in your fight. <3
Speaking for myself, when you are younger you don’t see the ramifications of your actions as clearly. Your journey is inspiring.
May you have many more adventures. You are right to say that each day is a celebration! Happy Day to you!
Thank you for your clear-eyed vision of your life. Misery and whatever form of hangover that follows is the price we pay for believing in magic. And thank you for not romanticizing all you’ve been through as a “journey”. But the persistent and resilient self you see in the mirror each day is probably the closest you can get to your soul. Celebrate it as you do.
Wow, Garrett! Type 1 is no joke. I'm 62 with mobility issues. Your drive and purpose are incredible. Keep on trucking man!! ❤️ 💪
"Everyday is your birthday, when you think about it. Every day you wake up is a miracle. That said, I never turn down an excuse to eat dessert." 💚💚💚
A refreshingly evenhanded and guileless response to heavy questions. Your outlook is a tonic for me.
Garrett, your questionnaire responses made me really like and care about you, which means you're an awesome writer. I'm old enough to be your mother so I'm gonna play the age card and advise you (with apologies to Kahlil Gibran): quit running ASAP. It's gonna kill your knees and your back (listen to your body). I, too, used to be a distance runner, and miss it. Switch to biking--much kinder to the knees but still an awesome way to see the world, build endurance, trigger the endorphins that you crave as a runner. I'm so happy for you that you're a dad, have found the secret joy of parenting. Now, you will pass each open window for her. I love that you plan to hike with her but don't be crushed if she decides hiking with you is not her thing. Our children come through us but not from us. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. We can give them our love, but not our thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. Just keep passing those open windows. Love, Mom
Wow, Peggy, wonderful response. I like your "don't be crushed" if the daughter doesn't like hiking. My granddaughter, a brilliant little gymnast, doesn't like reading, and my son remains shocked. Here's a suggestion for Garrett: triathlons!In his late fifties, my husband decided that training for marathons was too grueling, so he got himself a bike and a pair of goggles. He now competes in triathlons and duathlons several times a year, sometimes abroad--and he saved his knees!
Eat the dessert. Always.
I admire your drive to keep going! I’m 71 and the one thing I hate about aging are the health issues! I like how you perceive the so called afterlife. I see my self as just becoming part of the ethos.
This was amazing to read. The persistence to keep going and really live is inspiring. ✨
Lovely interview. ‘Every day is your birthday’ 👏👏👏