kelrunran
10-12-2004, 12:11 PM
I was quite excited and eager about being an active participant early in the year with this all women's cycling website. I bought a new bike in or around February, looking forward to doing triathlons and having lots of active fun in the Spring and Summer.
Then my life changed - early in the year my mom had a serious stroke. But I managed to continue to ride. I was the only family member in the same state and town with her. She lived in a wonderful facility about four miles from my house. She continued on having strokes becoming more disabled. But, she kept her sense of humor and I continued to ride. By June, she was on the brink of death due to her disabilities, but overcame them, as she always seemed to do. She always asked me, not matter how sick she was, so how far did you ride today - always impressed her, no matter the distance :)! By May my race season was on hold, my goals had changed - to "support". I just needed to ride to keep my head clear. In July we learned she had stomach cancer and on September 27th she passed away.
My bike (among other things) provided a great sense of freedom that was hard to come by while tending to an ill loved one. I reflect back now how lucky I am to have had an outlet and such beautiful country that I could enjoy, when I needed it most. Yeah, my riding goals changed but at least I rode and now I'm slowly coming back to life and looking forward to trying out my new/used mountain bike. I used to take my mom on drives through the country where I ride - now all my routes are now filled with great memories.
As many of you already know - KEEP RIDING - it will get you through the toughest of times.
It's definitely great to be back!
Kelly:p
Then my life changed - early in the year my mom had a serious stroke. But I managed to continue to ride. I was the only family member in the same state and town with her. She lived in a wonderful facility about four miles from my house. She continued on having strokes becoming more disabled. But, she kept her sense of humor and I continued to ride. By June, she was on the brink of death due to her disabilities, but overcame them, as she always seemed to do. She always asked me, not matter how sick she was, so how far did you ride today - always impressed her, no matter the distance :)! By May my race season was on hold, my goals had changed - to "support". I just needed to ride to keep my head clear. In July we learned she had stomach cancer and on September 27th she passed away.
My bike (among other things) provided a great sense of freedom that was hard to come by while tending to an ill loved one. I reflect back now how lucky I am to have had an outlet and such beautiful country that I could enjoy, when I needed it most. Yeah, my riding goals changed but at least I rode and now I'm slowly coming back to life and looking forward to trying out my new/used mountain bike. I used to take my mom on drives through the country where I ride - now all my routes are now filled with great memories.
As many of you already know - KEEP RIDING - it will get you through the toughest of times.
It's definitely great to be back!
Kelly:p