The Healing Cycle

While in contemplation of things VStrom I was on the owner’s group forum reading anything that had enough of a heading to grab my attention.  I spotted one that said MOTORCYCLE ROAD SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.  An organization called The Healing Cycle was running a fundraiser in a few days to raise money for Palliative and Hospice Care in Ontario.  They needed motorcyclists to provide some security on the road.  Doing good on a motorcycle?…I was in!  I’d managed to raise nearly $10,000 for Riders for Health almost three years ago so the bike and I were cool with working for the common good. 

After some instruction from a great guy named Mark Garrett we were soon heading out to the course.  I was excited and admittedly a bit unsure of what exactly I was doing or was supposed to be doing.  I soon got the hang of it and was immersed in such a positive environment of people all focused on three goals.  Raising money, raising awareness and having fun. 

My job was easy really.  Sit on the bike and keep an eye on the people doing all the work.  If we came across a hill I could twist my wrist…these folks had to dig deep and they did.  It never really seemed to matter how tough it got each of them knew why they were there and that what they were facing was nothing like what those in Palliative or Hospice care were facing that same day.  I felt like part of a team.  We were all out there together doing our part.  Let’s face it though the people pedaling were really bringing it…in extreme heat too.

My family unfortunately benefited from Palliative care as my Mom reached the end of her life.  The care she received was incredibly good as they made a bad thing a bit better.  While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone it’s so good and so important that it’s there.  We are lucky in that regard.   There are those who care and step up to lend a hand in something so difficult.  I’m sure my Mom was right there with me especially (laughing) at the point where the bike battery went flat and I had to get a push start from my new friend Darrell a Harley rider... Twice!

Check out The Healing Cycle.  I sincerely hope that you and yours never need their help but man it’s sure nice to know they’re out there.

See you next year!

The Luck That Is Mine

While the motorcycle remains the transportation mode of choice it is sometimes fun to see how others get around and to maybe even join them…as they get around.  I received a text message last week from my sister Laura saying that if I wasn’t doing anything I could join her for a trip up to the cottage.  It was just her and Sydney her Australian Sheppard.  While I really enjoy the company of her husband and kids this was a rare opportunity I couldn’t pass up.   While amongst the siblings in my family we are furthest apart we are actually closest and it’s a blessing.  The chance to just spend some time talking and laughing was good for my soul.  A reconnection with my past and seemingly fading family ties.  The radio was never turned on once in the entire trip…nearly three hours of good talk.

From time to time I quietly take this all in and ponder what it might have been like had Laura not survived a very bad car wreck more years back than either of us would confess to.  Suffice to say there was a 73 Comet or Maverick involved I think.  The outcome from that could have placed me in a very different world today.  Without Laura there are no nephews in Graeme or Matthew.  No brother in law in Allyn, no Sydney and by and large no family connections for me.  Ours is a sadly fragmented one that for reasons I don’t understand continues to flounder and fade as the years so quickly pass.  Knowingly or not Laura has stepped right into the role our Mom left behind a little over five years ago.  Laura is the one who engages the family or at least tries.  She stays in close contact with our Father and is always there whenever you need her.  Laura is much like our Mom especially when it comes to holidays and big meals.  She’s all in…100%.  Every detail.  Just like our Mom.  It’s never lost on me how lucky I am and how lucky we all are she survived that car wreck.  I can still she her being wheeled up to the family car so long ago in a neck brace.  She still looked cool to me.

While motoring up highway 21 somewhere I looked over at her at one point and saw our Mom clearly.  To Laura that’s a high compliment.  To me it’s a bit of comfort.  While it was only a one-night trip it was packed with good things.  Some time to reconnect and realize the luck that is mine in a sister like her.

Smart Phones - Dumb People

For all of our technical advancements over the past few years we’ve really taken a step back.  Specifically when it comes to our daily commute.  All the built-in safety features in the world won’t protect you from the blinks and tones of a “smart phone” announcing the arrival of a critical text message, email, phone call, status update or tweet.  All things that have no place ahead of watching the road you’re hurtling down with thousands of others. 

You don’t need to sit up high either to spot the distracted driver.  You’ll see them crossing busy intersections with their head down in an attempt to conceal the activity that has most of their focus.  They weave left and right worse than a drunk stumbling home from the local pub after last call.  They blaze along in the centre lane at twenty under the posted limit while those of us actually driving jockey to find a way around without getting steam rolled by a transport.   It’s all kinds of people too.  It’s not limited to young people or business people or even cops.  I’ve seen them all clearly consumed by the “smart phone” while driving and I’m sure you’ve seen it too. 

Before the numbers force the nanny state we really should take responsibility for this.  There isn’t a single solitary thing your "smart phone"

can do that will undo the outcome of poor choices.  There’s no app to fix the injured or bring back those lost as a result of a funny text message or seemingly vital business email causing loss of control.  There’s time for those things and that time isn’t anywhere while you are the driver of a moving vehicle.

It’s funny how something supposedly “smart” has made so many of us on the road anything but.

Ride'n with Mom

There are some things we just can’t avoid no matter how hard we try.  Taxes is a good example.  Every year without fail those who took so much want more.  There are other examples of this like Mother’s Day.  Every spring it comes along like it has every year since for decades and it should.  Mom’s are so important and well beyond that little gift they gave you known as life.  There were all those other things they do out of nothing more than love.  My Mom, Lois, was no different.  In fact to me she was much more. 

As the years roll on since we lost her in 2008 I find my level of missing grows rather than fades.  While sometimes hard and sad it’s also a testament to who she was in life and who she still is long after.  Almost all of my thoughts towards her are positive and happy.  My Mom was always positive and happy a lesson sometimes I need to revisit with a bit more focus.  I’m thankful that my missing hasn’t faded, as I don’t want to forget.

I think the most time spent with thoughts of her are on the Wee.  Selfishly part of that is “…Mom keep me safe…this guy’s not paying attention beside me!”  Much more than that though are thoughts of what would it have been like to take my Mom for a ride.  My friend John has photos somewhere of his elderly Mom on his Harley Davidson.  I love those photos but at the same time I’m left with a bit of jealousy.  While the Harley would provide far more comfort than a Vstrom I still wonder.  I know she’d have done it.

If you’re lucky enough to have your Mom still around slow down, spend some time and take her for a ride on your motorcycle…or at least out for a nice big lunch.  They’re important people long after they’ve moved on which is why if you are lucky enough to still have her…capitalize on that. 

I’m grateful for my memories and know she rides with me.  Even though you can’t see her.  She’s back there.

A Life of "Somedays"

The phone buzzed Sunday morning as it often does to announce the usual email or two I’m lucky enough to get from family and friends.  Sunday’s are great days spent with a start that can only be described as reluctant and suitably paced.  The usual routine involves Nan and I deciding who’s making coffee and then it’s the couch in lounge wear as the day does it’s level best to pierce the shutters.  Nowhere to go and no plans. Perfect.

This past Sunday kicked off with a slightly different color too it.  My Father had sent an email to my sisters and brother with the subject matter of “Sad News”.  This is usually the subject that leads some tale of local hockey woes but not today.  My Father’s anguish could be felt across cyberspace.  His email announced the passing of my Uncle Don.

Don Chamberlain was a big man in more ways than just height.  He was well over six feet tall and had shoes that nearly matched that measurement.  For as long as I can remember my parents and the Chamberlains were great friends.  They met as neighbors and seemed to follow each other around for what amounted to years of one of the greatest friendships I’d ever seen.  Uncle Don always had time for me and was always genuinely and legitimately interested in me and my life.  I always felt that he was as much my friend as he was a friend to my parents.  A big deep voice, a firm handshake, brilliant smile and a laugh that filled more than a few rooms. 

Life threw Uncle Don a few tough curves but he always managed to smile,  stand tall and make time for others.  He lost his wife too soon and his daughter even sooner.  Hardships I hope you don’t realize for many years yet.  While I know he shed tears I also know he kept on just like those he left behind would have wanted.

Since the motorcycle I’d often thought that I needed to get out to Guelph to see my Uncle Don to show him the bike.  He was an Engineer and a very technical and brilliant man.  I wondered if he’d like the bike or rattle of the dangerous stats associated with such pursuits.  Regardless of where that chat may have gone I’d have loved it as much as every other chat we ever had.  I can hear him in my mind now with absolute clarity.  I can see his eyes close up as he laughs.  Brilliant.  I’ve lost that chance.

The lesson is a rather simple one and one we’ve all had handed to us more than once.  The “one day I’ll do this…” or “one day I’ll do that…”  may well leave you out of days as “the day” may never come.  See more friends, see more family and maybe reconsider priorities and get them in order.  True order. 

Don’t live a life of “Somedays”

Holiday Best

While the bike is colder than the snow outside the memories of so many great adventures past and those yet to come keep me warm.  As our little corner of the world slows down just enough to share the holiday season I hope your corner is warm, peaceful and surrounded by those you love.   If you are deep in blessings I hope you can find a spare one to share with someone who may not be so lucky.  Doesn’t take much to change the outcome.  Sharing also feels pretty good actually.

May the best of the holiday season rise up to meet you and may the coming New Year be brimming with nothing but good things for you.

Shiny side up.

With Thanks & Respect

Some people who are pretty important to me lost someone very important to them last weekend.  A Saturday morning email announced the news I’d expected but really wasn’t ready to hear.  Even from so many miles away the impact of this passage in their lives affected me here in Canada.  While I’d only met their Father twice it wasn’t lost on me what he’d achieved in his life and the legacy he’d leave behind.  In a moment alone yesterday after a chat with one of my friends I looked up to the clouds and thanked this man for the blessing that are my friendships as a result of him.  So many lives touched by this one person.  I quietly ponder so much to celebrate and be happy for all the while in respectful reflection. 

While circumstance kept me from attending services my heart had certainly made the journey.  By the sounds of things this fitting send off to a great man would have been exactly as he would have planned.  Surrounded by family, friends, and community…his life’s work.  Beautiful.

As I finished my thoughts while looking at a cold grey December sky I felt peace in the knowledge his suffering was no more.  “Rest in peace…” I said out loud…”and tell my Mom I said hi!”