Yesterday morning, in the taxi on the way to the airport, I heard the CBC radio hosts talking about Mario Lemieux and his "return to the game" in 2000. Usually, after the word "hockey", I start tuning out but I was intrigued by the discussion that followed. Lemieux left hockey in 1997 after dealing with various health issues including Hodgkins Lymphoma and severe physical injuries. Three and a half years later he returned and scored a goal in his first game back against the Toronto Maple Leafs.* Three and a half years is a long time in sports and in life. What if Lemieux had decided that three and half years was in fact too long and decided to retire after that? What if he had just cut his losses? Given up and decided he just couldn't do it? I can't say that I would personally have been affected (being the huge hockey fan that I am - ha!) but it got me thinking about "returning to the game" in general.
Recently someone very close to me returned to work after almost four years away. Despite his apprehension, fears and years away from using technical skills, he was able to make a serious comeback. I am proud and inspired. It is never too late to return to the game (or to start the game!), whatever that game is for you.
* Hockey fans, don't kill me if I got something wrong!
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Funny you mention this, because I was just randomly thinking about Lemieux and this game the other day. I remember his return like it was yesterday. Dec. 27/00...assist 33 seconds into the game. Amazing...and part of the reason he is my all-time idol (even though I don't really follow hockey anymore).