Yesterday was Memorial Day. Our church had the lowering of the American Flag to half mast at 0600 (no one seemed to want to be there at midnight???) It was a very small gathering, 3 Veterans (of which I am one, GO ARMY) and 9 "civilians". In previous years, I have been on the platform at church in a production in full dress uniform. I would be worrying that I had it all correct (biggggg church, biggggg production) stayed on my mark and NEVER enjoyed the meaning of what the production was about which is to honor our past, present and future service members. This was so small, so intimate, so right. SO different.
Tobey was not thrilled about getting up. We had gotten home about 0300 from my brother's home in Rockford. But like the wonderful man he is, he did. For me. Sometimes it is so easy to forget all the wonderful stuff he does do. I am so blessed. I have to remind myself of that every morning. In fact it's on my prayer list. To be thankful for Tobey.
Wait--- it gets better!
I had surgery 3 months ago and have not been able to get on my bike let alone ride it.(PAIN) Believe me, I have tried. So, yesterday when Tobey went off on his 40+ mile bike ride (each way, ugh) with his best bud I went out & got ready to ride.
Got my Ipod with it's cool armband holder. Thank you Patrick! Got my water, got my bike gloves on and took off.(slowly) I remember thinking my bike was out of alignment it was so wobbly looking during the ride. It wasn't. It was my balance. So, I made it passed April and Tim's house. Rang my little bell and kept going. Wasn't certain how far I could go but I kept going.
Made it to the bike trail. My goal was the lakefront. It is so hard to ride on that gravel. I did not sing with my Ipod music, people were trying to enjoy their holiday! LOL!
I kept scooching (no other word for it) all over the seat. There just is no comfortable place for me to sit. I can just imagine what it looked like, this lady wobbling all over the place on her pink and white bike with it's little bell. I just kept going. My water kept falling out of it's holder. Yuck.Dirty bottle. I found a flat rock and wedged it in to hold my water.Worked out well.
The beach. Sand. Hmph. Had to walk a ways. Wedged my bike between 2 concrete blocks because, darn it, a kickstand does not work on the sand!! Then I proceeded to climb down the rocks towards the water, very slowly. I kept praying I wouldn't slip. That no one would "borrow" my bike. I made it to the rock I wanted and just sat there. Looking at the sky, the water, the beauty. God's majesty right in front of my eyes.
And then I was still. I am never still, I scooch around, I talk both with my hands and my mouth. This was so awesome. I relaxed.
Then the rain came. I am down on the already slippery rocks, getting wet and still had to make it home. Well, the ride home really was uncomfortable. No, it was hard. I was tired, my surgical area hurt, hurt, hurt. 10+ It was harder to breathe.
I thought well, if you are gonna do this just ride. I got dripping wet. My hair was plastered to my head. (oh no, my hair!!!) The bike wobbled. It took awhile but I finally made it home.
I knew what I looked like. I wished Ashley was there to capture my new look. I was a sight. I was also so proud. My odometer said 4.7 miles.
I could not wait for Tobey to get back to tell him. He would have ridden with me if I had asked. I wanted him to enjoy his time with his friend. I could not even ride down our driveway, these guys ride for miles and miles. Not this girl. Give me a book and some coffee, please. I also wanted to do it myself. In private.
After getting home, I paid the price. The pain. I earned every bit of it. Today it is much more painful yet I seem to have this goofy smile on my face. And yes, I am still so proud and thankful!!! 4.7 miles baby!!!
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