01 Oct Stronger Together

Ed Kornoelje DO
Sports Medicine|University of Michigan Health-West

Bear with me—this is going to be a little different than my usual.  

Anybody watch Justin Verlander’s final career game last week—when his daughter ran out on the field to take him out?  How about when a service woman or man shows up at school unexpectedly?  What do these things have in common?  Surprise of course (often the kids, but sometimes the adult), and something else—unadulterated joy!  I can’t help but watch videos like this over and over—they warm my heart.

Something else they often have in common—the kid runs at top speed and leaps at the grown-up, gripping them as tightly as possible.  Neither of them let go—squeezer hugs my kids used to call them.  The kids know the person on the receiving end won’t let them fall.  Ever.  The bond is unbreakable.  

Most of you compete.  Some compete to win races, others age groups, and many to finish the darn thing!  And many (all?) of you support athletes.  This competitor/supporter bond is also unbreakable—I’ve never been to an event that did not have both.  Some of the support comes from those you know, and some from total strangers.  All of it can bring you joy if you let it.  In the age of social media, trash talking and unsolicited opinions make time to give and receive support.  Promote positive energy—we will all be stronger for it!

Hope this helps or solidifies what you are already doing.  If you have questions on any of this or need our help in any other way find us at www.umhwest.org or by calling 616-252-7778.