Week of August 23-30

This week, during every ride, (practicing for the real thing which started yesterday) I thought about teachers. Many of them already started, preparing their classrooms, buying supplies, and creating interesting lessons for their new students. Teaching these days is not easy. There are multiple pressures from administrators, parents and the community. Sometimes we forget that teachers are people. They are caring for their own families, young and old, they have to pay their bills, drive their own children to after-school activities, prepare meals and squeeze in some sleep. They often work on school activities late into the evening.

I think of my own schooling, and the many teachers that shaped my life. In both elementary school and high school there were teachers that went the extra mile to increase my confidence and help me to grow. As a teacher myself long ago, I hope I inspired my students.

I am grateful to the teachers that supported and nurtured our three boys and now help our five grand grandchildren.

I wish for each administrator, teacher, teacher aide, cafeteria-worker, janitor, and every student a positive and supportive school year.

Let’s think about how these kids we are riding for are affected-not only physically but socially. Their schooling is no doubt complicated by their cancer treatment treatments.

Praying for better treatments and solutions for the kids and their families.

Riding this week. August 16-23

I’m going to make an attempt to blog about my cycling this year. I did not get the writing genes that my sister and brother have- they are amazing-but I’ll try.

All this week, while riding, I’ve thought about my two dear friends, Jim and Helene. Jim is my “brother from another mother “ Helene is an additional “sister” to me.

They are major cyclists-clocking more miles than I could imagine. I will not post how many miles they’ve ridden-I’m sure I would get that wrong. But it’s impressive. They ride in their NJ neighborhood, in Florida, in Delaware. They always meet new people along the way.

Unfortunately this week Jim has had some neck surgery that’s become more complicated than anticipated. They have had to sideline their cycling for now. Jim is probably the most resilient person I know. After each of his many surgeries, he keeps working hard and bouncing back. He continues to have a great attitude and a terrific sense of humor. Helene is always by his side, either cycling or at a hospital or doctor appointment. They are quite the team!

Over the years they have cared for many family members and friends, (including my own mother and stepdad ) often quietly, behind the scenes.

So this week as I was riding 15 to 20 miles each day, I thought about Jim and Helene and prayed for their continued resilience and healing. They inspire each of us to be the best we can be.

Just like the kids that we are riding for, they are determined and resilient.