I just returned from a vacation that consisted of a lot of golf, a little adult libation, some sun, and much needed downtime with friends in one of the prettiest areas of our state. But while still in a bit of the malaise that nearly always sets-in shortly following a relaxing time away, I quickly snap-to when reminded of how things are and could be by one of my favorite local athletes.
Avery Teed is what’s right with high school sports.
In a world where outsiders seem to look harder for what’s wrong with people and things opposed to celebrating what’s right, Teed is a reminder of an attitude and perspective we should all work harder to have.
The Jesuit senior lost his right arm to a rare and very aggressive form of cancer nearly three years ago. But while it would’ve been easy to mire in a world of “what if” and “what could’ve been” in the wake of what could only be described as tragic circumstances, I quickly learned — when I wrote a feature on the then high school junior —that Teed has instead embraced his new life and is undoubtedly making the most of it.
This past week, Teed — a former baseball player and enthusiast — took to the track at the famed and historic Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon and competed in four events as part of the OSAA Para State Championships.
After qualifying by way of the Metro League Track & Field Championships a week prior, Teed finished first in the 100, 400, 1500 meter races and shot put at the state championships in Eugene, setting personal best marks in each and every event.
That’s impressive, but at the same time not surprising if you’ve talked to him or the people that know him best.
Since losing his arm, Teed’s taken up snow skiing and competed for the Crusaders ski team, earned his driver’s license, loves to cook, and one day aspires to maybe be a doctor in an effort to help kids like him better navigate the process of similarly tragic circumstances.
He doesn’t sulk, make excuses or even in the slightest seek pity, but rather continually looks for challenges and new experiences in an effort make the most of what was nearly taken from him at the age of 15 — life.
That’s not a groundbreaking perspective, but one most of us — including myself — too infrequently fail to adopt.
Life can be difficult. Everyone has bad days at work or school, suffers setbacks or encounters obstacles regarding goals and aspirations, has their heartbroken, struggles financially, gets a bad grade, or maybe even just feels tired or under the weather. But while instinct often pulls you down, it’s perspective that can lift you up, over, and beyond the hard times that inhibit us all from doing what we want and becoming who we want to be.
I often look around and shake my head at what we do to or say about others. I understand that jealousy can bring out the worst in us all, and I’m by no means above the same feelings that tempt us to lash out. But while temptation by definition can be difficult to combat, it can be done by embracing what is predominantly good opposed to gravitating to and/or seeking what can be bad.
Take a tour of Twitter. Look around Facebook. Navigate a message board or the comment section of an online periodical and tell me what you see? It most likely won’t be good, it’s likely to be bad, and there’s a decent chance it will be ugly regarding what used to be common decency. We could spend countless hours trying to put a finger on the mentality responsible for said behavior, but I think much of it revolves around a lack of understanding of just how good we all really have it.
Sure, I’d like to have more money. Maybe a nicer car, a beach house, a better golf game, a few less years under my belt, and look like a young Brad Pitt. But while I don’t have those things, I do have a place to call home, good parents, people who for reasons beyond me care about me and my happiness, and the opportunity of the next hour, day, and hopefully years to make the most of what life has to offer.
I’ve heard that for years, but I’m reminded of it by one very special young athlete, Avery Teed — and maybe you should be too.
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