Flew home to Austin on Monday, arriving around 11:30 pm, and couldn't help but immediately notice the 88 degree temperature. This, on the heels of airports in Seattle and Phoenix and flights that were packed to the gills. I made a conscious decision that I was not going to let my return to the "real world" spoil whatever progress I may have made during the past 7 weeks in how to respond to challenging circumstances I cannot control. Took several deep breaths throughout the trip home; closed my eyes and just remembered....said many prayers of thanks.
Among the takeaways from this ride was an awareness that the readers of my blog really came through for me during this northwest ride. Originally, I started blogging daily during the 2012 Transamerica ride as a way of taking my mother and sister with me, with the secondary goal of raising funds for Truth Be Told. What I didn't count on was the response of friends, family and even strangers who also happened to read the blog. The enthusiastic way people rode along vicariously. Friends, family and people I didn't even know who expressed a certaIn dismay at the end of the ride that they would no longer be receiving their daily blog "fix." Everyone asking where the next adventure would take "us", and how soon before "we" start. It almost felt as though I was providing a service. Giving people something they wanted and enjoyed.
This northwest trip was different. The decision to keep riding without Randy was not easy for me at the time. What I did not count on was the overwhelming encouragement and support that I received from many of you. And, particularly, from some people I do not know all that well. That blew me away. You expect support from family and close friends...but blog acquaintances? In any event, dear readers, you all really came through for me and kept me going. Made me stay true to the theme of letting go of the rope and going wherever the river took the boat - without having to know. Thanks. The payoff became especially apparent as I rode through those magnificent mountains along the southern border of Canada and wept tears of gratitude.
It is good to be home, despite the heat, and I even took a 40 mile ride (sans panniers) this afternoon. My bike felt like it was literally gliding. I love my bike! I felt strong, and realized that it is not likely that I will ever be in better physical condition than at this moment. I did feel the effects of aging during various times during the northwest ride. I am heading to Florida tomorrow to pick up Sassy - now 20 1/2 years old - who spent her third summer with "Grannie" and George while I was off on another adventure.
I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge and thank my friends - old and new - who graciously put us up in their homes. But what I will remember most about those visits was the generous gift of your time and attention. And some of the most stimulating and thought-provoking conversations. Bill, Suzanne & John, Maxine & Bob, Nancy, Becky & Lewis, Pam & Carin. I can only hope that you were as blessed in the giving as I was blessed in receiving.
So..I close out this current adventure by sharing the following excerpt from Credo by William Sloane Coffin, which was part of my morning readings this week:
There is a Zen paradox whereby we may lack everything yet want for nothing. The reason is that peace, that is, deep inner peace, comes not with meeting our desires but in releasing ourselves from their power. I find such peace is increasingly mine. It’s not that I feel I’m withdrawing from the world, only that I am present in a different way. I’m less intentional than “attentional.” I’m more and more attentive to family and friends and to nature’s beauty. Although still outraged by callous behavior, particularly in high places, I feel more often serene, grateful for God’s gift of life. For the compassions that fail not, I find myself saying daily to my loving Maker, “I can no other answer make than thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.”
