Colorado Crew -
As athletes/lovers of the physical - I couldn't think of a stronger crew to reach out to for prayers in my and my family's great time of need. First of all, I'm no preacher. But as of late I've become confident enough to preach one thing: we should always remember how lucky we are to have our health...
You don't know him (or perhaps some of you do), but every single one of you has something in common with him. And I'm referring to my cousin, Scotty Veenis. In fact, perhaps you have more in common with him than I do at this point: you've chosen to STAY out in the mountains despite any moments self-skepticism and/or external enticements. Like many of you, Scotty has always known that the peaks are his home...
Like all of you, he lives and breathes for frosted air and in his deepest of sleep I know he's dreaming of snow-capped peaks. And more than anything, he's a maniac for adventure (he's a Veenis!).
He's my and my bro's best friend - and he's been bad-ass enough to take us on some crazy western trips over the years. Sure, Tucker and I are family with Scott, but I know for a fact Scotty would love to do the same for and with all of you if he had the chance. Shit, you dig the mountains? Well then you're family to him, too...
Scotty teaches downhill racing for some of our nation's most enthusiastic athletes and has been an accomplished skier since his youngest of years; starting his career out at Stratton Ski School and quickly moving out west for Olympic trials, etc. Despite falling milliseconds short of that dream (just wasn't his best day come tryouts), he's been teaching for US Olympic training ever since in Park City (spending his summer's snow plowing and teaching in The Alps). He's an athletic inspiration, but he's more than that - he's a role model for these kids in terms of poise and determination. Dude's smile defines “pure.”
I couldn't be more beside myself throughout the day. I try very hard to just stay focused at work and I find myself simply paralyzed in my tracks, halted by brief spurts of sadness and heartache (my waste basket of tear-filled tissues is great evidence of this). I can't even begin to tell you how tough the past few months have been in terms of family loss and pains. While at the same time, I've been blessed in that I've had no choice to but see how lucky I am to have the friends and family that I do. This includes all of you. Despite these changes and long glimpses into the reality of life's fragility, I have been give the opportunity to really appreciate life’s greatest gift: each other.
If you could just take a moment out of your crazy, yet blessed schedules for my dear friend and family member, Scotty Veenis…and pray for what I trust will be a definite and strong recovery, you will be giving not only him and his family, but also yourselves the truest gift that can ever be given: boundless love and appreciation for life.
To you, Scotty! You the man….
All my love,
Courtenay
"Scotty, I'm sure you've peered down steepier, scarier lines. If anyone has the strength to charge this obstacle, it's you. There is no doubt your love for life and fearless approach to the unknown is one-of-a-kind, but more importantly, it inspires us all. I'm proud to say we are cut from the same cloth. Looking forward to spending more time together. Love you, cuz."
A quick visit to his Facebook page will quickly show you the capacity to which Scotty has influenced the lives of many…and how 1000’s are eagerly anticipating the chance to make many more memories with their cherished friend. Some hilarious stuff on there, too. HUMOR cures all...us "Hondos" know it best!
Nay: How could I ever forget? I go there whenever I need to "let go..." That bridge is like the chalk drawings in Mary Poppins; may seem little, but it leads to a WORLD of possibility. Just need to walk over and believe....
