I attended high school with Lacey and her husband Rick. They've been a great couple for as long as I've known them and now 30 years later they are a great family with two grown kids. Lacey and I had a few classes together and I always loved her easy, kind way. We didn't keep in touch after we graduated but Facebook has a way of bringing people together. Lacey and I had been connected for some time, but she started following our Road Pickle last summer rather closely and I enjoyed having her along for the ride. She did a wonderful job of encouraging me and I remembered why I loved being near her when we were kids.
After we returned to So Cal earlier this year I wanted to go see her and Rick and meet their kids. Before I realized it, the holidays were approaching and everyone was so busy, we both decided to meet after things died down. Then Lacey messaged me with terrible news.
"Hi. Our daughter Scarlett was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. She has her surgery on January 8. So our days will be filled with doctor appts and pre-op before her surgery. Maybe once she's in the clear we can meet up."
We exchanged a number of messages and I did my best to support her. She remarked how supportive everyone has been and discussed how frightened she is. Being a parent, my heart broke for her in that moment.
Then this morning this message came:
"Scarlett had her followup appt to have the staples removed for her craniotomy last week. The good news is that they were able to remove the entire tumor....the bad news is that she has stage 3 brain cancer!
The type of cancer is non-curable but with radiation and chemo they will hopefully be able to stop the tumors from growing back.
Well, I asked her what she wants to do....anything....crazy....anything! She said she wants to ride on the back of your motorcycle.....so when she feels up to it and when you have a chance I'd love to arrange for her to ride with you....just something short to give her time on the back of the bike. She said not til after the oncologist meets with her and treatments so it might be a while but I told her I'd ask you."
My response was "Of course, of course, of course!"
I haven't learned to carry a passenger, so I'm going to start working on it today with my hubs. He's ready to ride pillion for me, so we're going back to the parking lots and practicing, this time, two up. And when the time comes, I'll give her the ride she's looking forward to.
When I learned to ride, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life, and the lives of others. The heartfelt comments, messages and emails I get from others who are inspired by my story or with a request like this one, these words from others have changed the fabric of who I am. I've always seen the riding as a very solitary, individual thing I do for myself, but the truth is we are all connected and we impact others in all that we do, whether we choose to or not. I'm so grateful I've had a positive impact on others.
Give your daughter a ride? Of course I will! Of course! I'll give her the best ride I can!
Sorry for the news about Lacey and Rick's daughter. Wishing her well.
ReplyDeleteIn a sad twist as soon as I read her name, Scarlett, I thought about Katie-Scarlet and thought it appropriate for you to take her for her first ride.
I think you will find riding two-up as rewarding for you as I'm sure it will be for Scarlett. Hope it goes well for you.
ReplyDeleteYikes, brain tumors are always scary. Fingers crossed for a full recovery for Scarlett.
ReplyDeleteMy brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 14, had surgery but they couldn't remove it as it was grown around his optic nerves. He had radiation and luckily it has never gotten any bigger and that was back in 1984.
Have fun with hubby riding pillion. Should be quite an adventure.
I cried as I read your post. These people are my friends too. I've known Lacey since elementary school. Our moms went to high school together. It is amazing how changing your life for the positive & doing what you've always dreamed of can have an impact or uplift others. My Rude Biker Chick girlfriend - you're incredible. Keep being true to yourself. I'm learning this lesson myself. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteI cried as I read your post. These people are my friends too. I've known Lacey since elementary school. Our moms went to high school together. It is amazing how changing your life for the positive & doing what you've always dreamed of can have an impact or uplift others. My Rude Biker Chick girlfriend - you're incredible. Keep being true to yourself. I'm learning this lesson myself. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteAt the time I wrote the article I wasn't sure how long the family would want to remain anonymous. The family is actually Nick and Lora, and their daughter's name is Katie. Yes, AHD Paul, I thought of Katie Scarlet too, which is how I came up with the name Scarlet. The family has opened up publicly, so I am too. I would like to organize a ride when we set a date for Katie's Ride. Let me know if any of you are in. I'll post more on this. Thank you for you support! I know the family appreciates it too!!
ReplyDeleteWith a bit of a notice.....who knows a San Diego isn't that far away.
DeleteTina, what a touching post. I'm sorry to hear about your friend's daughter. I can only imagine how scared they must be...I know would be.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you're be taking her for a ride. I'm certain she will enjoy it. Riding two-up isn't difficult and I know you'll do great with someone on your pillion. I'll keep your friends and their daughter in my prayers. ~Curt
Thank you All! I have decided to do what I can to create Katie's Ride. It should be a one time ride so those of us who can make it to Palm Springs can get Katie out for a real ride. Probably mostly slab and flat roads, but we'll see how it goes. We will start somewhere in the Palm Springs area and ride less than 100 miles round trip, stopping for lunch somewhere. I'll keep you posted and we'll plan it with as much advance notice as humanly possible!
ReplyDeleteSmooches to you all,
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