As I was riding today, I was thinking about this old song from the 1980s. I was really riding against the wind. There were several times when I felt the wind gust actually blowing me and my bike sideways . Here in Delaware we are experiencing what is called a nor’easter. The winds are significant I am afraid it is going to erode our already vulnerable coastline. There’s not much rain – but the winds push the water into streams and canals. There is significant flooding in low lying areas.
I think about the families I am riding for. There must be days when they are flooded with emotion and overwhelmed with decision-making. I imagine there are days when they feel “underwater “.
I can only hope that the funds raised this month will help scientists discover better options for the kids and their families.
So these last days of September, I think about Sully, Zora, Madison (in Ohio) and our ambassador kids, Charlotte and Kai. They are so brave and strong.
Today I did something that I don’t usually do regarding my ride-I forgot my rearview mirror. Is attached to my sunglasses and it was very cloudy today so I didn’t think I needed them. But I did.
Jimbro, my brother from another mother, was insistent that I use that mirror every time I ride. I hate to admit it, but he was right.
So I started thinking about looking back…
Today our middle son turned 44. How could that be true? I remember the morning he arrived. I was terrified – his older brother’s arrival was “non-textbook.” Jeff arrived at 7:10 AM. (By the way, 710 is the address of my childhood home.)
I thought it was a good omen, and it was. Jeff was a big, -9 lb-happy baby. His preschool teachers told us about his remarkable intellect. Like many parents of our age, we kind of thought he was he exceptional. 🙄Turns out, he was/is.
He has impressed us with his abilities to create an improve physical structures. And more so, his affability to create a sustain great friendships.
So back to the mirror.. yes, it’s important to look back. When we are riding our bicycles, it is really important to look ahead, too.-is someone backing out of the driveway? Will that person who has their uncontrolled dog on a retractable leash be able to control them when I try to pass? Will those people in front of me, who have earbuds blocking their sounds, be able to hear my bell or my words of warning that I want to pass?
As a metaphor, it’s important to look back on our lives-when was Jeff a baby? How did he grow? One of my fondest photos is one of he and Chris as Batman and Robin and their little costumes and their rubber boots .❤️. It is important to look ahead – what does life hold for he and Erin? For each of us??
What does life hold for these families that we ride for? How do they manage the looking back and the looking forward while managing the day- to- day? It has to be a difficult juggle.❤️🩹
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am reminded of the song from Fiddler on the Roof-
sunrise, sunset….quickly go the years…❤️