I Ride For: Owen

I Ride For: Owen

Owen, I must admit. The flag and the picture are for you. This post, however, is mostly for your parents. As I rode 300+ miles with your flag behind me I tried to think about you. I did, but I found myself thinking mostly about your parents.

While you may be sleeping restlessly some nights, I bet there are nights they are not sleeping at all. They are worried about all the stuff you don’t even know you should be worried about. And as you will find out when you have kids of your own someday, a little worry breeds more worry.

While you are struggling or in pain from this treatment or that procedure, they are being crushed. I cannot think of anything tougher than needing to watch someone suffer and being helpless to do anything. Someday, when you get to take care of them, you will understand. For now, it is their turn.

And while you laugh and play, they go in another room and cry. They wonder if this will be the last time. They worry, because of what is coming. They remember what it was like before your diagnosis. And they pray for a long, fulfilling, and peaceful life for you. Only some of this can they provide. The rest is up to you and God.

Someday when this is all behind you, I hope that you will surprise them one day with a huge hug and a whispered “Thank You!” They earned it.

SHINE!
The Road Rider