Pedaling With a Purpose

I have started training for Michigan's only 100-mile mountain bike race, called the Lumberjack 100. The big event is scheduled for June 17th and is affectionately known as the "Big M'fer". Oh, this is going to be fun... Why, might you ask, would anyone want to pedal a bicycle for 100 miles, let alone on singletrack, in the woods, up and down hills, etc...?

While I have wanted to get back into racing (and whip my butt back into top shape), I am also doing this with a greater benefit. I've decided to tie in my race with a fundraising effort and have selected the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation as the recipient.

I won't even try to go into explaining "what" Neuroblastoma is, other than it's a very rare (and deadly) form of childhood cancer. In my "spare" time, I'm the webmaster for ChristiThomas.com, and if you are interested in learning more you can stop by for a visit (and an education).

I'm working on an online contribution page and will soon have that available where you can make your donation. I'll also be putting updates online about my training progress, fundraising efforts and such, so keep checking back.

Until next time...

I Stood By Your Bed...

It's been now just over two weeks since Dutch was killed and Alicia and I still miss him so much. I want to say a special thanks to all the "Christi Crew" supporters that have sent me notes of encouragement and sympathy. It does help to know that others are thinking of us during our time of loss.

One faithful visitor to Christi's site who lives in California sent me this touching poem that she got when she lost one of her "fur-babies". If you've ever lost a pet, I'm sure that after reading it you will understand why she still gets tears in her eyes when she reads it. I do too...

I Stood By Your Bed
(However, if this were really Dutch, it would be called
"I Am On Your Bed" because he always slept with us,
as you can see from the photo.)

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is almost over... I smile and watch you yawning
And say, "Goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

-Author Unknown