Summer of 2024. Memorable and fleeting moments.

This summer marked twenty five years since my wife and I met. I’m not usually into cheesy social media posts, but I allowed myself a note on my Instagram to mark the anniversary. “We’re one, but we’re not the same. We get to carry each other,” I quoted U2. If you know this great song by U2 and its lyrics, you’d understand that it’s not a merry-go-round love song. It is a love song, but it also talks about the hurt that comes with love. We’ve experienced a lot of love, but there have been many challenges too and plenty of moments when we hurt each other, blaming one another for some of our difficulties.

“Happy Anniversary, guys! Your bond is a masterpiece in motion. Wishing you both continued adventures and love-filled moments ahead!” someone replied to the post.

Nah… It’s not a masterpiece. I wish. It’s an intense journey. We’re one, but we’re not the same. But I’m profoundly committed (“we get to carry each other”)

I will always remember the summer of 2024 for how I took my love of running in a new direction — I started coaching at a local high school team. Coaching cross country at a high school?! Life is so non-linear! Several decades ago, if I were to speculate on all the various gigs and endeavors I’d attempt, working at a high school would not be on the list at all. First of all, my life was all about business and making money. Secondly, I’m an introvert. Lastly — and this is related to the previous point — I have a complicated relationship with the American high school…