Mighty Mississippi.

I just got back from going for a run along the Mississippi River in Downtown Saint Paul. This is a route that I know well. I have run here all four seasons. A place were I have run in nothing more then a pair of shorts and shoes during the dog days of summer. As well as, trotting along in an Arctic suit when temperatures are bottoming out at minus 20 degrees.

Today, when I finished up running, I walked towards the river. As I held on to the baby blue railing that parallels the Mississippi and watched the swollen murky water flow by. I was reminded of a quote that I read some time ago. I can't remember who said it or where I read it at, but it went something like this....."In life it is great to go to places that have not changed through out time, but to go there and see how yourself has."

As I stood there I was thinking about how this river hasn't structurally changed since the last ice age. It has always been running this same course. Now through time, it has changed cosmetically from rising water or from building, dams, or bridges that have been built along its shores. But for the most part it is the same way the settlers of this area would have seen it.

This morning, holding on to the railing and watching the river pass. I thought about the first time I came here 5 years ago. I remember the sense of adventure, mystery, and over whelming questions of "where does that trail go? or I wonder how far it is up there?" I thought about the house I bought, the job I have, the injuries I have faced, relationships I have been in, my family, the friends I have and lost. It is almost crazy to describe the exact thought process. Because it happened so quick and it jumped around year to year in fast forward, as if you were watching an old fashion movie.

Before I was able to get too deep in the sentimental "rabbit hole" this morning. A trains whistle blew and snapped me back in to reality. I shook my head and walked back to my car. I had one final thought.

Since that first visit, I have continued to come here weekly and as the weeks passed the years and life experiences have add up. I have no regrets about the changes I have gone through, experiences I have had, and choices I have made. I am a lucky person.