I have been working on this flag for almost a month now. It is not that do not have enough time in with it (I usually ride for 7 hours or 100 miles per flag). I am doing this almost every week these days. The problem is I just did not know what to write.

Maria is a co-worker who has stomach cancer. I found out about her battle when I announced mine. I right away started riding for her. But when I got home and went to look for her, she was already home and had started her chemo. Not only am I sorry that I missed her, I also missed the smile and wave she always sends me when I walk by.

I do not know much about Maria’s kind of cancer. What I now know first hand is that these opening days-weeks-months are a constant mental fight between the angles and the demons. The angles are the times in the past and even present that are fun, rewarding, and filled with family. The demons are longing for those easy times and wondering if life will ever be “normal” again. Even though Maria and I are both “older” I will go out on a limb and write for both of us, “We want more.”

Maria, here is to MORE where ever we can get it. More time for sure, but even more important more quality - time, hugs, flowers, songs, and family. I have never been a “smell the roses” person, but I am looking forward to the first daffodil, tulip, and robin this spring like never before. I hope you see all three of them before I do.

SHINE!

The Road Rider