The Day After

What a fantastic reunion to see my sweet Debbie and beautiful daughters Amanda and Amber waiting for me at the ocean when I rode in yesterday. I was filled with so many emotions I could hardly contain them,I felt like crying and laughing all at once. It seemed so surreal to have actually finished this journey. I talked earlier in the trip about how we can all do more than we think we can, it is true. I never could have dreamed a trip like this was possible two years ago. Being here in Savannah reminded me of a quote from Forest Gump "life is like a box of chocolates, you have to open them to see what your going to get" I think that is profoundly true. We have to try things and not be afraid to fail. We will not be judged by how many times we fall down but how many times we get up. That is the amazing part of this life experience, Ron who was the oldest person to ever do this ride at 76 yrs, said everyday " It's A Great Life" how true.
  Yesterday as we poured the water from the Pacific Ocean we carried across the country into the Atlantic it made me think about the conclusion of this chapter and the start of the next. It made me think about Ray Riccard from Carson City who we lost in Oklahoma and his family, life is beautiful and fragile. It made me think about a loving Father In Heaven who is riding with each of us on our own personal journey's. I will be a better man than the one who left a month ago, I will be a better father, brother, son, friend, uncle, husband than the person I was. Your support has meant the world to me. Your comments have lifted me up when I was so tired I did not know how I could possibly do another mile. I am now blessed with a new family that I experienced this journey with as we laughed and cried together and grew to love one another. I now have a better understanding of how a solider  can sacrifice his life for a fellow solider. I will miss my new family and wish them every happiness and God's love.
  I finally had my first accident  yesterday when a fellow rider crashed into the back of me at a stop sign. The only thing that got hurt on me was the borrowed rear wheel, which was badly bent. Not even a scratch on me as I fell to the cement. Lou scraped up his right knee and hand, I know he felt terrible. A special thanks to Debbie who helped make this dream possible, to Amanda and Amber for all their support with this blog and each of you for your prayer's and support. Dad thanks for the help with the car, and Mom thanks for worrying about me. Love you all.

Life Is Good Ride On