Rich’s Ride – Page 8

Where Were You?

Like nearly everyone else, I remember where I was. No compelling story. No personal connection to the towers or planes. Just a Tuesday with kids in Room 5. More than where, though, I recall the feeling of helplessness as I learned the horrific details. An old wheelchair guy couldn’t rush out and enlist, couldn’t go […]

We’ve Come A Long way

I met a new friend last week. He stopped to help after I took a bit of a tumble while avoiding a careless driver. The details aren’t important. What matters is the conversation that happened while we waited for reinforcements. + + + First, a small chuckle. Jerry’s a volunteer firefighter. When he helped me […]

Climbing

I’ve done a bit of climbing recently on my bike. Horsetooth. Maniac Hill. South Marina. Bingham Hill. It’s a new thing for me. Nothing spectacular, not like the real climbs Becky and my other cycling friends do all the time for fun. But like any other sort of training, you start small and build up. […]

When Is Enough?

“Will ten years of the FREEDOM TOUR be enough?” A friend asked the question last week. I didn’t have an immediate, clear response. I’ve thought about it – obviously, doing this forever isn’t an option. But…when? I’ve been pondering for a few days. When I retired, I knew I wanted to retire “to” rather than […]

We’re Back

Ten days in a spot with no internet. Can’t recall the last time my computer – and my brain – rested that long. Still had a cell connection, but it was a wonderful stretch with time for input without much demand for output. I think that’s the most important thing I learned from our trip…I […]

A Break

It been a busy summer. We’re taking a few days off. No writing. Limited internet. Some time to decompress and catch our breath. I hope you are doing likewise as you’re able. We’ll be back in a couple of weeks.

Explaining “Why”

What’s the “why” behind the FREEDOM TOUR? The simple answer is, “We’re following Jesus.” Answers the question, I guess, but it doesn’t really explain the “why.” During lunch at the FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC, Jon Barratt from Project Rescue read the names of every child at the Home of Hope. He read them slowly and deliberately, […]

Now That I’m Officially An Old Guy

“How do you continue to hope when so many things go wrong? How can you remain optimistic?” It was a question at last weekend’s FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC. I chuckled (maybe not the best response) because I’m not exactly a fount of optimism. Nobody’s ever going to look for me on the Good Ship Lollipop. Maybe […]

How Did That Happen?

Neurosurgeons aren’t known for their warm bedside manner. In the weeks after my injury, I was desperate for a definitive prognosis. Nurses and therapists offered a lot of “keep trying, anything’s possible.” I just wanted someone to tell me the outcome. I liked my doc. Gruff, matter-of fact, cared a lot but didn’t spend time […]

Quid Pro Quo

It’s gotten a bad rap lately. Quid pro quo might be an a form of blackmail. I’ll withhold this thing you want – or need – unless you do as I wish. Often it’s not-so-subtle manipulation, Godfather-style. I did you a favor, now you owe me. Do that enough, strategically, and one can accumulate a […]

Seeking Easy

“Are you seeking people who are easy to love?” It was a social media question. Got me thinking. Am I looking for people I can love without looking in the mirror? People I can love without being forced to challenge my own privilege, wealth, and security? Do I like loving those who allow me to […]

Not Fair

May 21, 2021May 20, 2021
by Rich

If you catch me in a vulnerable moment when I’m not worrying about others’ opinions, I might tell you it feels like my injury isn’t fair. What does “not fair” mean? Mostly I’m acknowledging my disappointment because things didn’t turn out as I expected. Probably there’s some entitlement – things like this aren’t supposed to […]

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