Member-only story
Rage on
Rivs in danger scares me.
Having thought of you since learning of your illness, that’s what has become most clear: if mortality can taunt you, then each of us is in peril.
Of course I understand that we’re all mortal, but I choose not to dwell on it daily. I move through life safely, mostly oblivious to the risks. And yet here you are, a man who routinely mocks the edge of your ability, plays games with the limits of your consciousness, and comes out alright.
I see it in the eyes and words of my loved ones, if danger can absorb such a strong man like you what hope does it leave for us?
You’re not a close friend, we met only recently on the streets of major marathons. Our connection paved under competitive duress. As you fight a rare form of cancer I’m both inside and out of your persona. We’re friends and I also follow your stories. We’ve discussed race strategy, and I also gain inspiration and meaning from the kernels of fire and fury you give your hundreds of thousands of followers.
But of course you’re just a man. The legend of Tommy Rivs — a sixteen-ab-endurance-pirate who rages in black — grows and grows, precisely because you’re just a man. We’re inspired by your distinct pairing of competitive fire and gentle fatherly love. Your presence challenges me to both dream bigger and love more.
