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Barbie
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« on: September 07, 2022, 04:39:58 PM » |
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Darwin Winter, aka Frosty, is my brother in Colorado Springs. You may remember him as the VRCC member that trailered his dog, Rider, a mix between a dachshund and a beagle, to InZanes in a Rubbermaid dog kennel (2012-2015).
Frosty introduced, really forced, Don and I to go to InZane-Belaire #1 in Michigan in 2010. We purchased our very first motorcycle, a Valkyrie, in Green Bay on the way to InZane. We picked it up the following week. I have kiddingly told Frosty it was his fault that he hooked us up with the VRCC, however, there are more times that I thanked him for introducing us to this family.
Frosty’s last InZane was Spearfish, 2015. Every year since then someone will ask us how he’s doing, and they always remember Rider, the poor little puppy that rode on the trailer behind those loud pipes. Just an FYI, Rider didn’t mind it all, he couldn’t wait to jump in his kennel when it got loaded on the trailer. Thus, his name Rider. Because he was a small dog, I nicknamed him Low Rider.
So, for those who are interested, his health is failing. His prostrate cancer has been in remission for several years. He had a stroke a little over a year ago and recovery seemed to go well, but slow. Then he started falling a lot, and the doctors claim it could be due to his cerebellum shrinking. He’s lost 20 pounds in the last month, speech is more slurred, plus more issues. He’s been cleared to go into assisted living where he can get 24-hour care, and he will be with some good ole veterans. I bet they’ll be sharing stories when he gets there.
Without getting into too much drama, a relative is living with him, playing caregiver, and that is exactly what it’s turning out to be…PLAYING. The care he’s getting is minimal, some are calling it abuse. It’s a sad situation. My heart breaks and the tears flow. It’s tough to be so far away. I love my siblings, but Frosty and I had a special bond that makes this so hard.
So, the troops (WI siblings)have been called. I am the “baby” of the four Winter kids, and my WI siblings are 10-18 years older than I, Frosty is 16 years older. It looks like I’ll be making the drive to CO solo as they are also dealing with health issues and feel the trek is too long. None of them are calling me “baby of the family” now. As a matter of fact, my eldest brother stated, “ I just know you will drive out there alone if I can’t go.” My reply, “Yes, I will.”
I would love to meet up with some VRCC family during my road trip if anyone is not too far away from my route and you have the opportunity to hangout a short spell. Looks like I’ll be on the road Monday and Tuesday, Sept 12 & 13, to CO. Then heading back to WI on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 17 & 18. I don’t have departure times or overnight stays planned yet, but I’d love to see some folks for brief visits, maybe meal company, and a hug or two. I’m planning on cruising(in our truck) I-80 across IA into NE, then head southwest from Kearney, down to I-70, then 24 from Limon into the Springs. I don't have the time to ride the trike.
And if you can, say a prayer for Frosty. Having health issues is stressful enough, no one needs to be cared for poorly during those times.
Thank you and ride safe.
Barbie
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