Lo these many years, my mom rediscovered biking. She was 59, trying to quit smoking, her best friend had gotten married and they weren't hanging out much any more, and she needed something to do. She started out riding her own late mother's decrepit 3-speed from the garage. She joined a bike club for the company. That Christmas, we, her three kids, gave her a new bike. The next year she rode 1,500+ miles! The following Christmas, we gave her airfare for a bike tour of the Danube valley with some of her bike club pals! All was clover. She loved her bike, the biking was great for her, she had a new social circle.

As the years went on, she had various health problems, most of which we now understand were undiagnosed diabetes. Why undiagnosed? Cuz Mom's too stubborn to go see the doctor and take the tests. But I digress. She rode less and less, to the point where she couldn't ride more than a couple of miles without being exhausted.

Four years ago, she nearly died from the diabetes. I found her, took her to the ER, she was hospitalized for 5 days, and came out in stunned denial that this could have happened to her. She stayed in touch with bike club pals, but didn't ride. Two years ago, she began to accept the diabetes and do some positive things.

Today she rode her bike again.

Typical Mom, she had to do a ten mile ride on one of the hottest days of the year! But she went out with her pal, Ellie, and made it home to email her wonderful news. I am so happy for her. She'll be 72 this fall. She retired from her job as a children's librarian last fall, and her life has gotten better and better. Being back on the bike is a huge acomplishment. I am so happy for her, and I knew you all would be, too!