16 Comments
User's avatar
Blue's avatar

Great story. I’m sorry about your former boss. You never really know. I hope he had some moments of happiness in his life

Wendi's avatar

Adorable gnome, bigger story. Thanks for sharing. I am always amazed with how quickly connections are found when conversations start! I find it endlessly wonderful.

David Weinstock's avatar

Another great story … it illustrates just how diverse our lives are. By the way, add Colt Creek to list of trail run half marathons to be reviewed

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Dave! I'll definitely look that one up -- is it this one? https://www.thefloridarun.com/colt-creek-state-park

David Weinstock's avatar

It is!

Diana M. Wilson's avatar

Oh, the story of your former boss...don't you wonder--and not just wonder--but ask the question again and again and again--"What happened to you?" I know for the people in my life that share a similar story...I can't seem to stop asking that question....no matter how many years pass by....

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I know, I know... you wish you had the key to put in the lock and turn, and everything would have turned out differently for them. I had wondered for so long what happened to him, what had become of him... it's so sad to think about how many years he spent feeling the way he did. I know addiction was a big reason why he died so young, and why his health failed at such an early age. It's something I'm afraid I'll never have an answer to, you know?

Sharon Dene's avatar

I completely understand why you wanted that thing.I'm like that , When starbucks Bear or cups. Even certain Teddy bears, I will buy them They mean a lot to me. About your boss, some bosses are so great.You have such fond memories of them I had a few in my day and one of them actually saved my life. He was picking me up to go to work and my ex boyfriend was beating me. I answered the door and then I ran. When you have people in your life, they give you your first job.You always think fondly those people. I know what about suicide too.I've lost two of my friends to do it. We always think our lives are really hard. But you can always put on your running shoes and go for a run. Runn.\nIng is help me in a lot of ways as well.Because I can meet people and Makes my Whole day get Better

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Oh wow, Sharon -- I'm so sorry to hear that! That must have been so, so difficult; we're left with so many questions, aren't we? And you're so right, you can always lace up and go -- love that.

Jerry's avatar

Great story and you didn’t even use the word running.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

LOL! Thanks, Jerry! (And you're quite right -- I didn't even realize it! 😀)

Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Naiman's avatar

Fascinating! What a story.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Shmuel!

Clark Rose's avatar

Perhaps the "no phone policy" also helped create this story...🤷‍♂️

Terrell Johnson's avatar

You know, I honestly think it did. Something I wanted to add to this piece — but ended up leaving out because it felt like it would make it too long — is the surprising ease with which we all gave up our phones for entire days out at the tournament.

For all the talk about being addicted to our devices — talk I take seriously, btw — they’re much easier to give up than you’d think, especially when everyone else around you is off theirs too.

Something to think about… 🤔

Clark Rose's avatar

Especially when we have a "positive addiction" to replace it...like watching the gods of golf masterfully stroke every shot. 🤷‍♂️