Pay it forward

     Many years ago I had a person come into my life who made me realize that ANYTHING is possible if you put your mind to it.
     When I was a freshman in high school, I ripped my ACL in my left leg. I was a three varsity sport athlete, so you can imagine how I felt like my life was over.
     I lived in Oroville at the time, and my mom took me to a specialist who was up from Wenatchee working at a satellite campus in Omak.
     So, into my life walks Dr. Ed Farrar. Little did he know (or maybe he really does realize his gift), but he would change my life completely.
     Yes, he was my surgeon, but even more he was my inspiration in the moments that I wanted to give up. He told me that I could play sports again, if I dedicated myself to my rehabilitation.
     He is a mountain climber in his free time, ya know, the BIG mountains in Nepal :)
     Well, he was going on one of his climbs, and he gave me one of the t-shirts that he had made up for the expedition. He told me to remember that I could climb any mountain in my way, any time.
     He was right.
     I have since climbed so many mountains, and someday, I will even climb one that is not metaphorical, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
     Dr. Farrar was far more than a doctor who repaired my knee. He was someone I believed in who also believed in me. I played softball six months after my surgery, and I continued sports throughout my high school career, and on into my adult life.
     We were so impressed with him that he became our family doctor providing orthopedic treatment for my mom, dad, brother, and even my son! Yes, he has helped three generations of our family!!
     Tragically, Dr.Farrar was hit head-on by a car while he was riding his bike to work (something he did every day). People who know Dr. Farrar, know that he was a champion for bike safety, and for the sport in general. His son is a professional bike racer.
     You can read about his accident, and the tribute bike ride here.
     And, what's even more inspiring is reading his journal and his guestbook. You see what an incredible influence his gift has been on so many people in so many places.
     He is doing better, but he certainly has a LONG rode ahead of him. Please keep him and all of the people in his life in your thoughts!