Final Message From Sally

Sally:

Well, I've been home 3 days now and it's time I wrap up the Blog. I have several things I want to say and since Bill isn't sitting across Cramalot shoving the computer in my face I am naturally slow to get to it.

First of all, if it wasn't for Bill this never would have happened for me, pure and simple. He handed me the opportunity and the confidence that I could do it. How could I pass that up? What an enrichment of my life. Not to mention pure joy.

And my husband Doug encouraged me to go for it. I wouldn't have gone so free and easy without his support and encouragement. See how lucky I am?

Of course my boys just thought I'd lost another marble. Wonder how many I have left.

Someone said to Doug soon after I left "What got into Sally?" Well I heard that and thought, it's always been in me. It felt so natural. When I was five I took my big sister's bike and rode with my 9 year old neighbor across town (Madras, the Dairy Queen was on the other side of the highway). Well I didn't make it all the way because my Dad realized I was missing and came after me. He swooped me off that bike, paddled my behind and stuffed me in the car. Poor Raynette (who had permission) didn't know what was going on. I vividly remember how angry my Dad was. He was scared that I could've gotten hurt. But see Dad, I CAN do it, clear across the country! The other piece that I remember with Dad is how I always wanted to see where a road went. We'd be out camping in the sticks and I'd ask to go further and further, just wanting to see what was around the next corner and where was that road going. Sometimes we'd go too far and get stuck, or Dad would say we have to turn around. Well on this ride I saw so many beginnings and endings of roads, plenty to last the rest of my life. They just end sometimes. And of course Mom plays into this as well. Her spirit of exploration, curiousity, and "can do" attitude was with me all the way. Watching Mom needing help to even get up from a chair convinced me to go while I can and that I needed more adventure in my life. I know Mom would've done this same thing if she had a Cousin Bill!!!

This was ultimately a very selfish act and I thank everyone who let me indulge myself. Wow am I ever grateful. I have so many beautiful vistas in my head when I close my eyes now. And smiles that come to me when I remember some little thing. With bike riding it's the small things that you really appreciate. And that feels so wonderful. To be truly happy and satisfied to have a warm shower, peanut butter on a bagel, ice in your drink, shade to rest in, an ice-cream cone, a good campsite at the end of the day; it's amazing what pleases you so.

And it was really super to get comments from many of you and to know that others were interested and following our course. It did give me energy to hear from each of you, many times just when I needed it.

Anyone want to go for a bike ride???