"But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes … "

-- High Hopes, Jimmy Van Heusen/Sammy Cahn

My friend, Suzanne, is an inspiration. One of her favorite songs is "High Hopes" – as in "high-apple-pie-in-the-sky hopes."

I see Suzanne regularly at our local recreation center's indoor pool. Sometimes I give her a ride home after our morning dip. She recently helped organize a kayak trip, and now kayaking is one of her favorite sports. She also loves swimming, walking, and being in nature. She plays league scrabble (currently undefeated) and poker with friends. She has a wry and wonderful sense of humor and an upbeat attitude toward life. I don't believe I've ever seen her down.

Suzanne had a life-altering stroke some years ago. At age 40, her left side partially paralyzed, she lost the ability to walk without the aid of crutch and leg brace. She moves slowly and gracefully. It takes her about 20 minutes to get into the pool in the morning (something I do in less than 5), and about 45 minutes to get showered, dressed, and ready to head home (me? maybe 15). Nonetheless, in 2006, she walked 162.5 miles (she has a talking pedometer) and swam 859 laps in our pool (26.84 miles). She says, "To be honest, I had no idea I had put this kind of distance on. Done one step at a time, it can really add up."

Suzanne is a life teacher. One time I grumbled a bit when she asked me if I could drive her home from the pool. I'm embarrassed to say this, but it's true. I can accomplish tasks in less than a third of the time it takes Suzanne, but I somehow don't have time to help someone in need. Suzanne speaks often about how she feels "lucky to have so many who've touched my life in even the slightest way," yet I, Judy, sometimes feel besieged by the responsibility of having to "do it all myself."

Watching Suzanne, I have come up with two resolutions for the year ahead. One is to notice with gratitude the many who touch my life with their generosity of spirit. And the second is to spend less time thinking about what I need and more on whom I can help. Giving a friend a ride will be a good beginning.

Judy Ringer
www.JudyRinger.com