Closing
in on 2 weeks to head to Burlington, VT. I remember this time last
year I was doubting my preparation and wondering if I should even go.
This year, once again I doubt my preparation but cannot wait to join
this wonderful group of riders and new friends.
It is a
little bittersweet this year as I have made the decision not to pursue a
2014 Journey for 1000 miles for AIDS. Not because I don't feel the
passion any more - but simply because there are competing priorities
that are stretching me thin. I miss my low-country South Carolina
family and while my 80+ years mother could easily run circles around me,
I would like to see her more than I have over the last 2 years. Work
is also incredibly more intense now and this trajectory will likely
continue. Equally, I need and desire more quality time with my Atlanta
family and friends - for everything from simple dinners to fun
vacations.
For those who know me, my work is not just a job
to me, it is part of my life's mission. I believe in higher education -
I want faculty to be able to focus on educating, physicians to focus on
healing, researchers to focus on new discoveries (including an AIDS
vaccine) and administrators to focus on clearing the path for these
contributions. I am an administrator - and, as such, I am called to
help create the path which has become more and more complex since I
joined Emory 11 years ago. There is a only a thin veil between
expectations and opportunities and I need and want to thrive in that
space and help make a difference in the industry I have devoted my life
to. I also want my team members to thrive as well - within the
definitions they each set for themselves and how it fits in our area
responsibilities. I may only be one person - but I am not alone in this
belief or desire to cut through the complexity. My 2012 and 2013 AIDS
journeys have reinforced this and I am thankful for the wonderful gift
it has given me.
I will probably overload you all with pictures
from New England so you can meet people who have dedicated over 10
years to this journey. There is so much love, perseverance and
determination in the Charity Treks group - and in the end, those are the
key ingredients for ending AIDS.
Cranking up for a glorious final 3 weeks of adventures - love and tailwinds to each of you!
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