Living in the Treasure Valley, the local news media mainly focused on the Olympic athletes that had roots here in Idaho. Each night we heard updates on how Jeret "Speedy" Peterson was doing. Little by little, his story came to light.
He lost his sister in a car accident. His parents divorced. As a youth Jeret demonstrated an amazing talent for Aerial skiing. In fact, at the age of 16 he made the U.S. Ski Team. He participated in the 2002 Olympics. He watched as his roommate commited suicide. He was the favorite to win Gold at the 2006 Winter Games, but fell short. This failure (the seeming proverbial "straw") sent him into a self-destructive tailspin that nearly had him take his own life.
Somewhere in all the turmoil he was going through, he found his ray of hope and hasn't let go of it since. Now he has earned himself a Silver Medal, and he has his eyes set on Gold the next time around.
If you find yourself, as Rascal Flats sings,"in a place so dark, you couldn't feel the light" I hope you will remember Speedy Peterson. I know I will! No matter what you are going through in life, you CAN make it through to find something wonderful waiting for you.
As a wise mother once told her son, "Come what may, and love it!" Keep that hope in your heart that there is a reason for your trials, lessons to be learned, and blessing to be had.
Congratulations, Jeret Peterson, on making it through the darkness and finding that SILVER lining!
CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS!!!
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How cool! We watched "Speedy" win the silver, and thought for sure he was going to win gold with his "hurricane"! It was amazing! The accompanying story of him overcoming such trials makes it all the more special. Thanks for sharing, Sue!
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