July 18, 2004
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THINGS THAT REFRESH MY SOUL A-Z
(See sidebar for others)Underdogs
There’s a certain star-spangled-banner, heart-swelling feeling that comes to me when I get to witness underdog moments. Even reflecting back on them gets the endorphins going. For every one of us who is not going to be Prom Queen, Olympic champion, Nobel prize winner, President, etc., someone steps up to speak for us by doing it themselves. You could tell I’m hooked on underdogs by looking at my tiny film library (I rarely buy a video) that includes: Hoosiers, Rudy, Smoke Signals, A Family Thing, and Ruby in Paradise. Didn’t you love to see Seabiscuit take the big horse down? How about those marathon runners who hang at the back till you think they’ll never catch up and then kick at the end, sailing past the field to edge it out by a nose. What does Lance Armstrong have to tell us? All you have to see is the expression on his face to know the big C met its match. The Little Engine That Could. A Catholic in the White House??!! The unknown soldier. David and Goliath. Nelson Mandela. Jane Goodall. It’s a good thing to have a little assortment of your own to pull around you like a warm blanket when you face your own dark nights. What would THEY do to find the light?
Deep Thought: If you’re being chased by an angry bull, and then you notice you’re also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn’t really change things. Just keep on running.
Today I am grateful for: Big honkin’ box fans
End of the Day: 9:04 pm
+ = For my grandson’s 13th birthday, jumped an Amtrak with him and his sister and rode across the state line and over the river into Washington and back for an adventure. Captured it on video.
- = My son’s girlfriend had her third car accident in 6 months. This time it was a hit and run. She’s a basket case. Her car is totaled.
Comments (5)
Great list. I just re watched Breaking Away a couple of nights ago. That’s a great underdog movie as well, plus I like looking for places I recognize in Bloomington.
Lance Armstrong has given the US a much needed boost in spirtit. It really makes me proud to watch him race.
And by the way, there’s a great little winery in Milan Indiana, the town where Hoosiers takes place.
Expertise in hybrid corn? Darn, you’re a hoosier at heart.
Yes, Breaking Away was one of my all-time favorites. I spent a summer in Bloomington once. If I ever get the next chapter of my autobio done, it will mention it. (See sidebar)
If we are talking underdogs, how about Ralph Nader?
Oh yeah! Absolutely.
Blush, I haven’t watched a single of those movies! But I love underdogs!! They are henceforth going on my list of must-sees immediately. Thanks! Wonderful post as ever.