John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15225
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« on: March 17, 2011, 12:16:07 PM » |
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As some of you are aware, I lost a daughter to cancer five years ago this May. She was only 44, my third gal of four. Her oldest daughter has since graduated from HS and is in her senior year at Greenville College in Greenville, IL. As was her mother, she is also a singer and is part of the college choir which is on their Spring tour right now during break. So, last evening I surprised her by showing up for one of their concerts. I realized quickly I should have stayed hidden because soon as she happened to spot me, she was struggling to compose herself. During the next hour of some beautiful music, much of it a-cappella, I was struggling with my own composure. Standing in the front row was my Tracy from years gone by. Her daughter had much the same presence on stage, expressions, motions, etc., memories came rushing back along with the pain of the loss. Afterward, she came rushing up and threw her arms around me and buried her face in my neck and shoulders....and the tears flowed freely from both of us. We had talked a number of times via phone, but hadn't seen each other since the funeral. This was a total surprise to her, and only a 75 mile trip one-way for me, so I made the effort. We spent the next couple hours together, talking about things of the past but I eventually turned it to things of the future. I saw so much of her mother in her as we sat there I almost forgot who I was talking to. Her only question/comment was "did you come on the bike?" followed by "I would have loved to shown everyone the bike and my cool grandpa." Now if that doesn't make your chest puff out just a little bit, nothing will!  Not to be outdone, her sister....2 yrs. younger, is attending a college that will get her a pilot's license along with a degree in an associated field. She told me but I don't recall, I just know I'm promised a nice long ride soon as she's legal. I know other members have experienced that same blow....loss of a child. For me, this was a bit of a renewal, albeit an emotional one. Guess I'm getting softer in my later years. |
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Westernbiker
Member
Posts: 1464
1st Place Street Kings National Cruiser Class
Phoenix
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« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2011, 12:23:01 PM » |
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Sometimes the BIGGEST of men can't hold back the tears and there is nothing wrong with that. Glad you could make the trip! I'm sure your glad too.  |
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![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/miniStates/language/www/US/AZ/Phoenix.gif") May the Lord always ride two up with you! |
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solo1
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« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2011, 12:25:42 PM » |
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Wayne
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T-Bird
Member
Posts: 2487
A friend is one who takes me for what I am.
Cleveland, Tennessee
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« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2011, 12:49:54 PM » |
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I think I have something in my eye...... Thanks for posting
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4114
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2011, 01:08:55 PM » |
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Great story, John... Glad for ya.
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2011, 01:14:00 PM » |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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old2soon
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« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2011, 01:14:38 PM » |
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Good on ya stuffy. Key board gettin a little hard to see. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2011, 01:32:13 PM » |
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Way to go GrandDad!!
Thanks for sharing that story.
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RainMaker
Member
Posts: 6626
VRCC#24130 - VRCCDS#0117 - IBA#48473
Arlington, TX
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« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2011, 02:05:47 PM » |
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Great story, John. Truly, thank you for sharing.  |
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 2005 BMW R1200 GS 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 1998 Valkyrie Tourer 1981 GL1100I GoldWing 1972 CB500K1 |
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JerryB
Member
Posts: 311
Takin' it easy!
Michigan
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« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2011, 02:49:35 PM » |
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Retired and taking it easy!
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2011, 03:00:07 PM » |
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I think I have something in my eye...... Thanks for posting
+ 1 Marty |
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13833
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2011, 03:16:51 PM » |
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Great story Only 75 miles....You should'nt wait 5 years for the next vist. |
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2011, 05:08:36 PM » |
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Way to go John!!! I know how you feel. Lost my daughter five years ago too.
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15225
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2011, 05:25:10 PM » |
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Great story Only 75 miles....You should'nt wait 5 years for the next vist. Joe, that's how far I had to go for the concert, she lives/attends college more like 1200 miles away. The choir was on tour during Spring break. |
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MacDragon
Member
Posts: 1970
My first Valk VRCC# 32095
Middleton, Mass.
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« Reply #15 on: March 17, 2011, 05:35:41 PM » |
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Great to hear that it happened for you.... both for you and your grand-daughter... God bless.  |
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 Ride fast and take chances... uh, I mean... ride safe folks. Patriot Guard Riders |
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Hoser
Member
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
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« Reply #16 on: March 17, 2011, 07:29:16 PM » |
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I know how you feel, John, just wish I had some grandkids from my daughter, she was a senior in College when I lost her..... Happy for you. Hoser
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/ |
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rmrc51
Member
Posts: 1087
Freyja. Queen of the Valkyries
Palmyra, Virginia
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« Reply #17 on: March 18, 2011, 04:29:38 AM » |
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Wonderful,,, simply wonderful!!!!
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VRCC # 30041
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eric in md
Member
Posts: 2495
ride hard now we all can rest when were gone !!!
in the mountains .......cumberland md
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« Reply #18 on: March 18, 2011, 05:34:48 AM » |
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great story, sound you need to make it a every summer thing sounds like a good ride to me even if its only a weekend ... have dinner and talk just keep in touch |
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #19 on: March 18, 2011, 06:15:16 AM » |
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I think your trip you took qualifies as a "bucket list" trip....one that gives memories that lasts a lifetime and shapes lives.... Very nice story, thanks for sharing.
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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