When I was a child, there was a billboard on Highway 50 near the Catholic church in Tipton, Missouri, that stated, “A family that prays together stays together.” It showed the Madonna and child, and, I believe, her hands were folded in prayer. I’ve never really forgotten it – great sky, spiking rays of sunshine, billowing clouds. It may be gone now; I don’t know.
Today heralded a gorgeous blue sky much like that billboard from long ago, and “Team 16”, as I have named them, rode 16 miles throughout downtown and northeast Kansas City. This was a serious cycling troupe due to the four experienced riders plus support staff in the from of two volunteers and one emergency / pace car driver.
This was the day of the 6th annual AIDS Bicycle Challenge – a charity event that my son and niece have been raised with. My niece rides tandem with my sister, who informs me that, when my niece pedals that third wheel, it’s bliss. When she doesn’t, she’s merely a wind foil and a lot of excess weight. My son agrees that my sister is correct when she says the “challenge” part needs to stay in the title of the event.
My mom not only paced her family and was there for any emergency that might arise within her flock, but she actually did assist a non-family rider who had tire issues, making a return trip to base camp with her new friend and the bicycle cargo before heading back out to check on “Team 16”. My friend Lori actually rode injured after a morning spent breaking up a feline wrestling match that clearly left its marks. When you bleed before you even get on your bike, you are truly dedicated. Harl and I were just pretty things that helped with registration and provided direction on the first turn on the route.
When the riders had all returned to the park and my family was busy telling each other the amazing stories, that church billboard came screaming into my mind. I think we did actually go to church this fine Sunday. We were all together at the Church of Good Health & Community Involvement.
Church can be an amazing place. You can usually find one right where you are.
PS…I was so proud of our son today. He was asked again to be the official starter for the three different races. We left him with the event directors, Josh & Michael, where he again learned so much about event management. And it filled my heart with joy to see my niece finishing all 16 miles with her mom while caring for her new American Girl doll, Emily. As she told me last night, “This is going to be Emily’s first AIDS party.” Proud isn’t even the word….
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