Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Did You Ever Feel Lucky To Know Someone?


This weekend myself, Kevin Durkin, Dottie Durkin, and Ed Bisson participated in the 20 Mile Memory Ride Race to raise money for Alzheimers. The race started at 11:30 and it was about 90 degrees. I work out at the gym every day and it was a hard, long race for me.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of meeting Ed Bisson, an agent in our Pelham office, well....you should take him to lunch sometime because he's a pretty amazing person. He battled cancer and won. The result was that he lost part of his throat and vocal chords and he speaks through a thumb sized hole in his neck. He hasn't let that put a damper on his business or his life...in fact he's going to be a platinum agent this year...and yes, that was Ed you saw on the Top 5 Agent list in NH that I sent out last week.

Anyway, Ed hadn't ridden a bike in more than 30 years. He didn't have any reason to ride the 20 mile race other than "it sounded like a good time." At about mile five we knew Ed was struggling....it was harder for him to breath than anyone else...and the 90 degree heat and hilly terrain were challenging for everyone. Kevin, Dottie, and I all encouraged Ed to turn back...it wasn't the end of the world if he didn't finish. Ed's reply, "I don't give up that easy!"

In fact, Ed doesn't give up at all. He finished the 20 mile race on pace with the rest of the team. There were some racers that gave up because of the heat and the difficulty breathing...but not Ed. He made us all proud on Saturday. I for one feel lucky to know him.

If you ever want to meet someone who will inspire you...who will show you what it means to never give up, call Ed Bisson in Pelham...take him to lunch...and I guarantee it will change your life.

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