Ten Feet Tall, Still

"Facing it — always facing it — that's the way to get through. Face it!"
– Joseph Conrad

 

Tony and I had the pleasure of interviewing  the incomparable  Julie Suhr on last week’s TV show “It Has Nothing To Do With Age Or Gender.” Julie, a remarkable lady, has completed 22 Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance rides. She revealed some interesting aspects of her personality that pertain to her mental and physical toughness.

Julie began riding at about nine years of age on her families property. Neither parent, especially her mother was too thrilled about her wanting to ride horses. Despite potential getting in trouble , and parental displeasure, young Julie exhibited a rebellious streak and secretly rode anyway. It’s not clear whether or not, Julie’s mother knew what her young daughter  was doing behind her back. In any event, Julie made up her mind that she was going to ride no  matter what.

After getting married and rearing her children, Julie at the age of 40, experienced a midlife crisis and rode in her first endurance ride-the Tevis Cup. Although she did not complete that ride, that did not discourage her one bit. In fact, it only wet her appetite and she was introduced to  a brand new  sport of endurance riding. The sport also changed her world and her  life  view . The sport gave her a new purpose  and meaning. She also connected, at a different level with her daughter Barbara, and assimilated Barbara  into her mother’s  world. Further, this new activity, resulted in developing lifelong and solid relationships that she continues to cherish . The sport simply enhanced her psychological development and worldview.

To gain  a glimpse into her passion was revealed when she said something to the effect that  “ when completing a Tevis Cup ride, I don’t  want it to end.” Even after 30,000 miles, at age 89, Julie’s desire and emotion remains strong. In fact, when a doctor told her to discontinue riding, she found a different doctor that viewed and understood her world. Her drive and integrity remain unprecedented.

After the show, Julie emailed me some additional comments that I’m including “ I enjoyed it Frank. I could do a better job  another time, but one thing I wish I had gotten across about "Never Quit" is
that if common sense does not sometimes prevail, and you make a basket case of yourself, it can impact so many others
unfairly both financially and emotionally.  The demands of care giving by my children or grandchildren because I was foolish would
be unforgivable.  We have to think judiciously.”

Thank you Julie. She remembers to keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, deep breathing and loving.