At the end of another year and close to the end of my 94th year on this planet, I'm still in perfect health, physically fit and happy, with only a marginal mental slowdown. Incredible at my age, isn't it? And retirement from my competitive running career is still somewhere down the road. I am the grateful recipient of one of God's very special miracles—perfect health, a gift without which there would have been no senior Olympic running career with all its attendant fun, excitement and joy in my old age. I humbly thank Him daily.

The following may appear to be unrelated to Christmas but it isn't: Most intellectuals love classical music and scorn country music. While I'm certainly no intellectual, I do enjoy most classical music but I LOVE country. Country songs tell stories—some happy, some sad, some very funny, some uplifting and some inspirational—but all tell stories. Kenny Chesney has a new song called "Don't Blink" that's moving up the popularity charts and I can really relate to it. It's about a 100-year-old man. He took a nap at age six and awoke at age 25 married to his high school sweetheart. After two or three more such naps along the way, he was 100 years old. My Christmas message to you is this:

Time flies by and you're old in the blink of an eye, so don't blink. Life goes by much faster than you think. Enjoy life and your loved ones every day, and take time to smell the roses along the way. Without intending to make it rhyme, this little sermon I just wrote sounds like an extra verse to Kenny's song. Now the question is, did I practice what I preached? No, not always, but I can't complain. My bright sunny days far out-numbered those with rain.

I wish for each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year. And remember folks: don't blink, as the good life we all seek might slip by without a peep.

Joy to the world, boys and girls. It's time to celebrate Christmas!

Love and peace,

Jim Hammond

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posted at 12:40:39 PM