A ride that changed my life…..

[KSH]

Very nicely written.

I certainly shed a tear.

Thanks for sharing.

[7rider]

Silver, I guess I didn't realize you had gone through this just prior to your own accident. I can really see your hesitation now. This was a deeply moving piece and I hope it brings you some measure of healing.
Best wishes to you.

[maillotpois]

Wow, Silver - what a moving story. I am sure it was tough to write, but I hope it helps you to heal. Thank you for sharing that with us.

[sbctwin]

Your words are a message of love...I hope Sam's family will get the opportunity to read your story. I, for one, am constantly looking over my shoulder as I ride. I ride by myself so much of the time. On organized rides, I start on my own, but then, along the way, I usually hook up with another ride that rides my pace, and it feels like we have ridden together for a long time. I can see that same relationship with you and Sam and the other riders that day. Thank you for sharing your story. Life is ever so precious and sometimes, ever so short.

[chickwhorips]

hugs to you sliver. i do hope that helps with your healing. thank you for sharing.

[mtkitchn]

Wow, Silver. Thank you for sharing. That you are thinking of someone else while going through your own pain touches me.

[CyclChyk]

Silver (Elaine) - I wish there where words that I could say to you to help ease the turmoil that is so apparent for you right now. And though you have not shared words of your own accident to this extent as of yet, I am sure it adds to the weight you already feel.

Writing I have found, has a way of offering solace, and on occasion, a type of closure. Whereas I feel you probably have not found complete closure on the recent events that have taken part of your life, I certainly hope it offers you some peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~Petra

[wavedancer]

Elaine,
Thank you for sharing with us your story of Sam. Sometimes it is the people who come into our lives for just a short time that have profound meaning for us. I hope that his memory will help you to heal also.

Linda

[emily_in_nc]

Elaine,

Thank you so much for sharing your essay about Sam! I agree with others that it should be shared with Sam's family if at all possible. If he was a member of a bike club, it could also be posted to their newsletter. I am sure it would mean a great deal to all who knew Sam to see what an impression he made upon you in such a short time.

Your situation really affected me because of the things I've been through in the past year and a half (my own serious bike accident and losing my dad in a car accident) so I felt like I could empathize completely with your fear of riding again and the tumultuous emotions you've been experiencing. Glad I could be of some small help in articulating some of what you have been grappling with. You've been through a couple of very significant and difficult experiences of loss, and allowing yourself to express your feelings will go a long way towards your healing process.

Emily

[bacarver]

I've been a psych nurse for about 12 years now. One thing I've learned along the way is that talking and writing and thinking over and over and over is the process of making sense out of traumatic/upsetting events. This forum is full of women who are willing to listen and then listen some more. It is human nature to struggle to add meaning to loss and unfair moments. This is exhausting work, but the hard work will lead to peace.

Keep writing and we'll keep reading.

Barb

[Bad JuJu]

I have nothing new to say--just wanted to say I'm sure it was difficult to write your experience down, but it was the right thing to do and you did it with sensitivity and grace. Hoping for your speedy full recovery.

[Geonz]

{{{What they said}}}.

[BeeLady]

Thank you Silver. I hope if Sam's wife ever sees your essay that it will bring comfort to her to know how much happiness Sam was experiencing prior to his passing.

[LAB]

Ditto with the other comments. Thank you for sharing so much with us. It's just such a tragedy. Hang in there, Silver.

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Silver

It's not often I am speechless, just cannot find the words to comment on your very sad story.

My heartfelt good wishes to you.

Silver, just remember how you, without knowing it, encouraged me to buy a helmet, collected it today.

Although we are mostly strangers on here, it is so amazing how we can help each other, even when the other side of the globe!

Hugs from the UK.

love

Sally