I Ride For: Scott

When I was in Junior High and High School I occasionally went to a Hope College football game. They had a cheerleading squad with both men and women. I thought that was pretty cool.

When I was 20 I transferred to Hope and decided to try out for the team. I could do nothing. I was not even close to strong enough, I could do zero gymnastics, and I knew none of the cheers or hand movements. Coach said I was too small but threw me a bone and said I could be on the practice squad.

All through that first year, I went to every practice and lifted weights. The coach paid very little attention, but the senior captain, Scooter (I never even knew he had a real name until meeting him again 8-10 years later) came over on a regular basis, helped us out, and gave us encouragement.

Scooter graduated. I made the team as a junior. I was the captain during football season of my senior year. And by the middle of that basketball season I could walk on my hands the length of the court. Something I watched Scooter do back when I was on the practice squad.

So the full circle story would now have me providing encouragement to Scott (aka Scooter). While I might be, I have found that in the cancer world we give and get encouragement from all around. Scott does a great job posting what his treatment for throat cancer is like. While he is the one going through the treatment and pain, I am getting inspiration. And he has let me know over the dozen or so years that occasionally I provide some encouragement the other direction. While cancer stinks, this relationship with others is pretty cool.

Scott, the ride I did for this picture was excellent. I knew exactly where I wanted to be for your flag. It was the Navy Seal Museum just south of Vero Beach, Florida. I made it there, got in the perfect spot, but there was no one around to help me with a picture. So, while the picture is a dud, the obstacle course behind me and the memorial of those who came before were meaningful. Just like the encouragement you gave a scrawny 20 year old AND the inspiration you give to myself and others you will never know today.

SHINE!

The Road Rider