Library Shelf…
Life has been characterized in so many ways; one analogy I often use is the ‘Library shelf’. Bookends separated by volumes placed between them… On ‘the shelf of life’, those would be the bookends of conception and the final passing, with everything in-between being the story of one’s journey through this world… Every life has each of those features.
Some folks worry themselves silly about the ultimate, unavoidable bookend, and they seem to live their lives without truly living at all by being consumed with trying to avoid that eventuality or to at least postpone it as long as possible. Denial is not, in my view, a useful or necessary ingredient in the recipe for a life well-spent. Neither is foolhardy, petal-to-the-metal excess, nor careless disregard for any caution. I’ve chosen to live my life living, with reasonable caution, of course, but not by hiding from the risks or letting myself be dragged down by nonproductive negativism or undo fretting and handwringing.
I recently attended another Valk gathering, this time in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I was surrounded by interesting folks, all of whom seem to take that same approach to life. No daredevils there that I could see, but no scaredy cats either. Nope, just folks willing to come down out of the bleachers and become involved with the game of life down on the field…To be full participants, not mere timid spectators.
No ‘measuring’ to see who had the biggest, no storytelling to top the one just told by another, and no one-up-man ship or competing, just good-natured folks sharing experiences and enjoying hearing of those of others. Everybody has faced what life has had to offer as well as what all adversity has been thrown at them, and even without knowing any specifics, we all know all of our journeys have been both challenging and rewarding. A palpable sense of mutual respect permeates every conversation, and the feelings of brotherhood and affection are enjoyed by all.
Britman observed, “It’s good to be king…” I agree!
A couple of celebrities from Arizona dropped in…
Folks from Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey having a large time together!
Some riders from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and other states…
I did not attempt to count people or bikes, nor did I ever hear any numbers being bandied about. If I were to hazard a guess, though, I’d say something around forty bikes with fifty or more folks. This event certainly exceeded my expectations since I really didn’t have any to speak of for this ‘first-time event’. I do know Rams put a heck of a lot of effort into making this a success, as did others, as well. From what I was able observe from my vantage point, their efforts all paid off handsomely, indeed!!!
The scenery varies as do the weather and other details, but the underlying feelings of brotherhood and camaraderie remain relatively the same as these ‘family reunions’ occur throughout North America and indeed the world… We have managed to become part of something truly special and unique here, so now you can see why I often proclaim, “I’m so proud to be here!”
For all those present at this and other gatherings, volumes are scribed for each ‘bookshelf’, fond memories are created, old friendships are renewed and new ones are made. When that most dreaded of all bookends is finally placed, for those of us who have participated in these, there will be a shelf full of testimony to a life very well-spent…
DDT
