Dear So and So

[Catrin]

I will be gone for a little more than 2 weeks. Hope to find some riding buddies; I can't ride with my old friends yet, they are too fast for me at present.

As Oak said, you get hugs, warm thoughts and sympathies regardless It is good that you are giving yourself time to process all of this. You know, your old friends might like to go on an easier paced ride with you, why not ask?

[indysteel]

As Oak said, you get hugs, warm thoughts and sympathies regardless It is good that you are giving yourself time to process all of this. You know, your old friends might like to go on an easier paced ride with you, why not ask?

+1. I agree with Catrin that your otherwise fast-paced friends are worth asking out for a ride. If I were in there shoes and a friend/riding buddy had lost their partner, I know that I'd be more than eager to oblige if they wanted company on a ride.

Safe travels to Italy, Mimi. I hope it's an enjoyable and restorative trip.

[Biciclista]

I did talk to my friends. Their idea of easy is to start me on another P12 (100 kilometer rides once a month ) in NOvember. On the back of a tandem!!!

[indysteel]

I did talk to my friends. Their idea of easy is to start me on another P12 (100 kilometer rides once a month ) in NOvember. On the back of a tandem!!!

Yikes! Sorry they misunderstood what "easy" means. I hope you have some additional takers.

[Biciclista]

They are SO FIT right now. Donald and I started the P12 thing winter 2010. ANd he had been doing the R12's too and HE sucked them into the R12's. (that's 200k's once a month) So I feel partially responsible.

[Veronica]

I did talk to my friends. Their idea of easy is to start me on another P12 (100 kilometer rides once a month ) in NOvember. On the back of a tandem!!!

You can always soft pedal.

Mimi I am so impressed by your strength of spirit. And it's okay to be flighty. Geez... I think I'd still be curled up in a little ball, not thinking about doing anything.

Take care of yourself.

Veronica

[Owlie]

I did talk to my friends. Their idea of easy is to start me on another P12 (100 kilometer rides once a month ) in NOvember. On the back of a tandem!!!

Tell 'em that they can pedal on climbs and that you'll pedal on descents.

Love, hugs, and good thoughts to you. Enjoy your trip.

[emily_in_nc]

Mimi, you are way, way, way stronger than I would be. You are fierce, and I admire the h e l l out of you. The fact that you are doing anything at all -- much less getting ready to travel out of the country -- is a testament to your strength of character and spirit.

Hugs!
Emily

[Biciclista]

thank you all for your nice words. I am seeing family in ITaly, including someone who was recently widowed when i visited her the last time (and she's my age) and a bunch of other cousins. And both of my adopted daughters. (adopted as adults)
I don't know how strong I am. I know i have to keep busy, I know i have to stay strong. As horrible as Donald's cancer was, he exceeded expectations because he continued to work out. Two weeks before he died, he told me that he sang every day. He took walks every day until a week before he died. (and he continued to walk until the day he died). He also worked on his balance. Up to the very end, he put his pants on standing up... No kidding. I think it bought him time and quality of life too. With someone like that to inspire me, I cannot do less.

[maillotpois]

He was inspirational. And you know he wants you right back out there walking, riding and enjoying your life. That probably makes it a little easier, but not much. Big huge hug to you. Wish we were closer and DD and I would take you for a pokey ride.