Carpe Diem

Thierry and I became friends 52 years ago. He grew up in the north of Belgium, the oldest of six kids, and started running when he was young. In his teens he was a competitive sprinter and nearly made the Belgian Olympic team.

Most athletes stop competing, find their way into other pursuits, and gain a few pounds. Not Thierry. He has never stopped training and competes regularly in regional, national and international Master’s track and field events, often taking home first, second or third place medals.

But I was blown away when almost two years ago, at the age of 74, Thierry decided to take up pole vaulting! I couldn’t believe it! For decades I have witnessed his jackrabbit starts in the 60 and 100 meter sprints, but I never imagined he would grab a pole and launch his body over a crossbar and land in a foam pit. My arms and back ached thinking about it.

Our friendship is so important. We are really different in a lot of ways, but I realize that I cherish those differences. Thierry is super disciplined and has routines and regimens that keep him fit, steadfastly avoiding the tempting treats I drool over. And yet he is one of the most generous and kind-hearted humans I know, always there for others when they need him. He could be a poster child for Be Kind • Do Good.

Thierry’s decision to start up with pole vaulting when most seniors struggle to put on socks is an absolute testament to his lifelong journey of carpe diem (seizing the day). He has long been an inspiration to me and I am a better person for his friendship.

The Kindness Walk is one way of reflecting on what we appreciate about others even when we may be very different in some ways. It’s about Carpe Diem, seizing the day, the moment, as we walk alongside each other.