There is a little boy in Fayetteville, NC who has cancer. His doctors have given him 10 months to live and his family is facing not only the grief of an impending loss, but also the many medical expenses that go along with a child’s cancer diagnosis.
Gretchen, a friend of ours, didn’t want to just sit by and do nothing so she rounded up some help and organized a big Benefit/Craft Bazaar/Trail Ride for Blaise’s family.
Since Sarah and I are both cancer survivors, Gretchen invited us to drive on over and take part. (We left at 6 am and returned home at 7:30 pm—it was quite the little outing!)
The Cape Fear Harley Davidson allowed their parking lot to be used for the event. Sarah and I hung out and assisted in Gretchen’s booth.
A few enthusiastic gusts of wind blew through while we were there so Sarah was given the responsibility of anchoring one of the tent poles. She did an admirable anchoring job.
One of the highlights of the day was when Gretchen’s boyfriend, David (who served in the Special Forces), showed Sarah around his motorcycle.
Getting the helmet on was an interesting challenge.
And getting on the bike was a bigger challenge yet. (This picture is the reason I am not a Motorcyle Mama; it would take an entire crane to lift me on to the back of the bike.)
But Sarah did it!
And she was feeling so brave that when David said, ‘”Do you want me to ride you around the parking lot?” she said . .
“Are you out of your mind?” (Or something like that.)
Sarah was happy for the chance to sit on the Harley for a moment or two but she was even happier to climb back off and head for the non alarming, non-noisy serenity of our car as we started the journey home.
Although it was a very long day, it was fun to have a mother/daughter outing and also gratifying to see individuals and businesses pull together to make a difference for a family going through a tough time. In a world where we hear so much about countries going to war and people committing violent acts, it’s truly inspiring to know that good still exists . . . both good people and good deeds.
So grateful for compassionate people like Gretchen. So grateful for the good.
Fred, yes, Sarah really was pretty cool as the Motorcycle Gal. She doesn’t like loud noises and especially loud engines/machinery so sitting on the bike with the motor turned off was right up her alley. It was fun. 🙂
Mrs. Pam, I’m very thankful that “not all medical predictions are accurate!”
i imagine meeting Sarah gave Blaise and his family Hope that not all medical predictions are accurate… sure am praying that Blaise can beat the odds.
A motorcycle post! I want one (with a cooler helmet than he had). Ha!
That was great you could make the jaunt to help and support. wonderful.
Lesley, yeah, I figured you would enjoy a post about motorcycles. Maybe you should buy yourself a cool helmet ahead of time–just in case a motorcycle is somewhere in your future. 🙂
God love that little guy and his family. I only wish every child would receive the miracle of health that Sarah is living now. What a great way to spend a mother/daughter day. I am sure you were exhausted but also felt very fulfilled and joyful for helping this family. They will be in my prayers.
Hope Sarah is having a good year so far in school. The beginning of a school year brings so much promise and excitement. I miss that feeling – for myself and my girls. They still are envious of the school supply shopping and especially the shopping for college dorm room and/or apartments. Great fun ahead for both of you and a couple of years.
Mary, Sarah is having a great year so far! It’s funny to hear that you and your girls still miss your school shopping days. They must have really loved school.
You folks are so awesome.
And Sarah – you look totally cool sitting on the back of that bike with the helmet and coiled radio cord! 😉
BTW – I was very impressed with Sarah’s good judgement in declining the motorcycle ride.
Even at my age now (“old man”) I probably would have said, “Fire this baby up, dude!” :- |
Fred