Hi Everyone, I'M BACK!! Not in Texas, but holding down the fort here in Florida.....
Well, a movie it wasn't, but what took place in Del Rio was certainly unexpected, crazy, scary and highly emotional for Michael and myself.
Each day, however, I saw myself getting stronger and feeling better, so I knew things were coming down to the finish line. Each day I was able to walk a little farther and even the luxury of sleeping on my stomach became a blessing!! Once that happened, I knew I was getting close to 100% better.
So now, things seem to be back to normal. I'm back home in Florida, with just the best friends and neighbors anyone could ever wish for, and Michael is back with the riders, all four of them, handling the rugged terrain and the exhausting days of biking. They are one strong team that display the greatest bond of friendship, loyalty, and endurance.
Before beginning the blog for today, I want to once again thank Kim Brown so much for taking over the blog each night while I was recuperating. She did a fantastic job in highlighting each day's events for everyone to read on Sammyrides.com. She captivated each small town's character so well, which isn't easy to do especially when you're not there in person. So, thank you Kim, and Mike Brown as well, for sending off pictures to the blog each night as he and Adolf traveled through Texas.
Also, again, many, many thanks for the outpouring of support Michael and I received over this past week and a half.....I must tell you that it gave us such enjoyment to read literally the many, many daily e mails I got both in the hospital and once back in the motel room.
No better medicine in the world then to hear those great words...."You've Got Mail!"
Michael now will call me each night to fill me in on the day's happenings in order for me to let everyone know how the ride is going.
The four riders continue uninterrupted, with the joining now of both Michael and John Bear who both got to Austin yesterday....one by bus and one by air!
Despite losing me as van driver and EMT, each of the riders takes a turn driving the van while the other three ride their bikes. I can't speak for their medical expertise, but I have a feeling, if needed, they will do fine with the many, many supplies donated to SammyRides by CVS....in fact, one could say we have a traveling pharmacy, with every conceivable bandage, sun block, antacid, ice pack....you name it, they have whatever is needed. So, in effect, these four guys continue to be faithful to this bicycle ride across the nation for Pediatric Cancer and we are most grateful for all they do day in and day out.
Today's ride was 60 miles and took the riders from Bastrop, Texas to Benham, Texas. Originally, they were supposed to stay overnight in Bastrop as is indicated on the schedule, however, because 50,000 people have descended on Bastrop for a week long antique fair, it was decided they should continue on and find lodgings someplace else. Michael has described the scenery today as beautiful with less grass and more cows! Unfortunately, the road was not accommodating for the riders....rough surface and lots of pot holes for miles and miles. The guys describe this ride to being like sitting on a jackhammer and unfortunately, Michael had his fourth flat tire as a result.
I'm really happy I'm back to writing the blog....I'm might not be there with the guys in person, but my spirit is with each of them.....
From Sun City Center, and someplace in Texas, Michael, Adolf, Mike Brown and John, send our love and best wishes to you all....Lois
No comments:
Post a Comment