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The
Legend of Tom Metz by Dan Magee
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Rockaway leukemia victim runs for record Ex-track star set to beat all odds Some people go through life as a spectator, enjoying the good and acquiescing to the bad (with more than a fair share of whining). Some people attack life, grabbing hold and squeezing every ounce out of our time on this planet. Tom Metz is one of those people. Metzie is one of those rare men who never has a bad word for another (except for Knicks players). He's like a living exclamation point, always positive, always exhorting the best of life. He can make a wiffle ball game among friends feel like the World Series. Speaking of friends, some mention that family & friends are the most important things to them. Metzie doesn't just say it, he lives for them, touching everyone person he meets. He doesn't talk about his running & tough workouts. He just does it, relishing every second on the roads & track; appreciating the the actual process of running as flight, freedom... Leukemia is a dreaded disease. It's not cancer of a certain specific part of the body, but cancer of the blood. It is constantly at war with the body, relentless, attacking without mercy. Any person facing this battle would justifiably be terrified, frantic, etc. The courage exhibited by Tom in his fight is awe-inspiring. He does not want or need sympathy or pity. He harbors no fury or rage for being stricken. He has an ailment that he faces daily, but will not let it defeat him, or damper his zest for life, family, friends, his running, his beloved (and overrated) New York Mets, etc.... Charles Barkley once said athletes aren't role models, and outside of Lance Armstrong, he may be right. However, there are a few athletes that aren't just role models, but life models, so over whelmingly positive that they can not help to inspire all those with whom they are in contact. Tom Metz is not just fighting an individual battle. He's tackling an unseen Goliath, and in doing so, exemplifying the human spirit and greatness present in the average man. Please continue to fight the good fight, Metzie... |
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