Today our family celebrated a very unconventional Mothers' Day, as we spent most of the day chasing my dad around. Mom didn't mind, and I don't think that she or anyone else would have traded the day's activities for anything in the world. Joining the Crossroads cycling adventure group, Dad pedaled his first day on a cross-country journey that will take him from Los Angeles to Boston over the course of seven weeks. Proving once again that she is most often thinking of others before herself, Mom is embracing the adventure and driving along as dad's faithful cheerleader and daily blogger.
The day began bright and early with a Pacific Ocean "wheel dip" at Manhattan Beach, where very few of the hard-core riders actually let any of the corrosive salt water touch their bikes. Next followed the buzzing of group photos and fond farewells as the group prepared to embark on what will no doubt be a life-changing journey. Appropriately, the readings at Mass yesterday were about love, and Fr. Dave delivered a poignant homily in which he asserted that real love is "showing up" (it was far more eloquent when he said it). His point truly hit home as two of Dad's co-workers came all the way to Manhattan Beach to see him off, even delivering a stack of cards and notes from others at his office. Following a similar theme, after years of Dad being at ALL of our events (color guard shows, etc. for me and cross country races, etc. for Lisa) it was fun to cheer him on as he follows his dream of a trans-USA bike ride for the pro-life cause. So, full of love and excitement, off we were to follow his route! Coincidentally the riders traveled within 5 miles of my parents' house, so we were able to use our inside knowledge of the area to see him riding at several spots throughout the day.
After an 80-mile haul of riding through heat and smog (it is LA, right?), Dad and the group reached the first overnight stopping point in Riverside, CA. Sadly this is where Tim, Lisa and I had to say our "goodbyes" and head home to our new house sitting responsibilities. Although our farewell was bittersweet, the day was absolutely incredible and inspiring!
Bon voyage, Mom and Dad! Talk to you soon, and we'll be following you on the blog!
