Starting the Day with a Happy Cry

Yesterday before leaving for work, not wanting to wake Rick, I quietly turned on the Today Show hoping to find out more on today's weather. Matt Lauer was introducing Scott Hamilton at the Rockefeller skating rink. He stood there, walker in hand, and was going to make his first public skating appearance in five years, since his multiple cancer surgeries and healing.

I've always liked Scott Hamilton -- he's a great entertainer, wonderful skater, seems like a nice guy. And heaven knows he has guts.He's the ultimate "ice child" who knows how to play -- and knows how to work. Open. A little bit in awe -- but in control.

Carefully he moved the walker to the middle of the rink, holding close. A few knee movements, all "attached" to his metal friend.

And then he let go. Scotty Hamilton was back (no doubt, playing the moment for all it was worth as any good showman should! A ruse, perhaps -- but that it took those five years in-between to get him back there.) Take a look.

I couldn't stop crying.

I want to thank you all for such kind support during the past few days. I'm still running behind but the good news is that Rick is improving and getting stronger daily. He's still very tired, sleeping a lot, says he's not in pain, but wears down. I think that'll be the norm for a bit. But -- like Scott Hamilton -- he's a fighter. And that's a source of great comfort.

We even went out for a bit last night to Jef Mallett's book signing. He saw lots of people he know and felt their energy. Felt like he was "coming back."

So, today I offer up a big heap of gratitude for the human spirit, the survival mechanism we somehow find in ourselves. The ability to fight through the pain, to persevere, to make choices not just to stay alive, but to be alive.

Every now and then we get the reality check that life is one day at a time. That our world can change in a heartbeat. I suppose if one dwells on this negatively, it could be a bad thing -- we would be continually afraid.

But it's worth keeping in mind, to celebrate our lives, our achievements, our friends, and those we love every single day.

To the Ricks and the Scott Hamiltons and Lance Armstrongs of the world who get back on the bike (at the right time) -- or the ice; to every single one of us who have challenges that are truly difficult to slog through, be they physical, emotional, concern, financial or just the plain old crummy side of life, I'm grateful you keep at it. Your being in it makes this world a better place.

Speaking of which, I love you guys. You're the best. Thank you.

As I mentioned, last night Rick and I went to the book store to hear his pal and rescuer, Jef Mallett, read from his new book, "Trizophrenia."

I've got to say it was the best thing we could have done. Lots of people glad to see Rick, good to get back out in the real world, even if it was pretty darned tiring in the endgame!

Jef's a good presenter and the book is funny -- even if you're not as into any of the triathalon sports. And he had his Frazz books there, too. Who could argue with those?

Getting back to the real world. Can't be soon enough.