The Light Within LIT

We decide to meet over dinner.  Ruta, the manager for the rock band LIT, has set it all up.  She had originally introduced me to Allen’s story of his inspirational fight against a brain tumor – (Read “With Drumsticks and a Rocker’s Spirit”) – and now the band wants to meet me.

They are thrilled that I am going to represent their drummer and musical brother in this weekend’s New York City Marathon.  They are impressed by the physical challenge of the marathon; even more so, they can’t believe that I have chosen to represent their longtime friend in this effort.

But they want to be a part of it.

A.Jay (2nd from right/lead vocal), Jeremy (left/guitar), and Kevin (far right/bass guitar) – awesome guys.  Their commitment to Allen and supporting him through this journey defines true friendship and family.  “What do we do?  How do we start?  Man…this is just such a great thing.  Thanks for doing this for us – for Allen,” they tell me.

Then…they begin to share stories about all the friends, fans, and family that have rallied around this man.  So many people choosing to be as close to him as possible as he struggles with his hideous assailant.  Continuously vigilant, unceasingly embracing; it is unbelievable, the people, they tell me.

“And Allen (pictured with his daughter, Gina) is always so upbeat; it’s like, he’s almost taking care of them...of us,” they say.  “It’s really harder on everyone else around him; he’s so positive and smiling and fun to be with.”  They find this curious, in that so many people are gathering around him in an effort to be reassuring – yet he already exudes such joy and confidence.  Funny.

So I have to ask them.  “What if one of the reasons all those people want to be so close to him is because of what he gives THEM?  His spirit, his enthusiasm, his optimism, his perseverance?  What if they aren’t just trying to be a light of hope FOR him…but are instead basking in the light of hope that IS him?

It got pretty quite for a moment. 

"Yeah," they smiled.

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(It is to be my honor to represent Allen Shellenberger, brain tumor survivor and drummer for the rock band Lit, in my running of the New York City Marathon 2009 on November 2 as a member of the Team McGraw charity endurance team.  To honor Allen and support brain tumor research and improved quality of life through the Tug McGraw Foundation, CLICK HERE.)

Comments

[Christine]

Yes, from what you share, it sounds as if Allen is a beacon of light to those around him. And his light shines brightly, so that others around him are embraced by his warmth and love.

Thank you for running in his honor. You have been blessed by his "light."

Beautifully written, Jeff.

[DAVID DUNKLEY]

HEY JEFF,

GLAD TO SEE YOU DOING SOMETHING SO WONDERFUL ON OUR DOWN TIME.....I KNOW YOU AND YOUR BIG HEART, KEEP FILLING IT WITH GOOD STUFF.

SEE YA BROTHER,

DAVID

[gayle]

Best wishes to the both of you - Allen in his fight, and you in your run; I am sure you both will be successful!

All the best...

Gayle