Honor to the Fallen
I want to honor those people who, for different reasons, have had to drop out during the first 8 days.






First there was Rory. He had a mild stroke that would not allow him to continue. We expect him to make a full recovery. Good luck Rory, we miss you and wish you well.











Then there were Joyce and Bill. They are a wonderful married couple who I got to know early in the ride, partly because of my past participation on a triple bike. This couple just draws you in by their quiet demeanor and confident way. Joyce had heat stroke and was making a quick recovery when Bill took a spill the next day and broke his kneecap. He had surgery and it is now pinned together. Wow, how would this couple handle their disappointment? They would handle it well.










Lastly there is Carrie-Ann Keys.

Carrie-Ann has been riding in the SAG the last couple of days due to knee problems. She rides a recumbent bike. She has always been bright and maintained a cheery, optimistic outlook for continuing the ride. While we were in Ontario she made her way to a doctor who told her no more riding for at least 6 weeks. She is very disappointed, as are all the others, that they cannot continue on. She was pretty down on Monday as she handled the realization that she would not be continuing. We ran into her today right after lunch, and she was back to her old cheery self, laughing and smiling again.







I am reflecting on how this experience is just a concentrated form of life in general with its highs and lows, with its successes and disappointments. We all learn how to deal with them in our own way but ultimately, we have to move on. We celebrate what we have learned. We celebrate the fact that we can interpret these experiences in a positive way and have the faith to interpret what we have been through and know it will benefit us in the future. I am both happy and sad as I conclude this summary. Happy I had the opportunity to meet and know each of the individuals above. My life is richer because of them. I am sad to think they are leaving or have already left and our paths may never cross again. I want to thank each of them for being the wonderful people they are. Best of luck and God bless each of you.



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