Three days to go! The anxiety is at progressive peak. Fear is a tingle in my belly. Excitement is pounding in my hear.
Last week I went home to mentally prepare and gain strength from my Family:
 |
| Kathy and Harold |
 |
| Me and Dad |
 |
| My brother and I |
My Aunt and Uncle drove in from Chattanooga, Tennessee! What a blessing to see them healthy in their retirement years. My father and I continue to become more alike and look more alike!! My brother and I saw each other which is always a big deal!! We even overcame the pain of time and went to visit our mother's grave together. A very healing moment in my life and I hope for my brother too.
 |
| My Grandmother |
 |
| Ladies of My Family |
I gained the courage to overcome my fears and went to see my late mother's parents. I haven't been in their house since I was 14 or so. The first few moments were odd but the time together was priceless. Soon laughter and love filled the room. I had the heart to to see my grandmother and tell her I love her and that I am going to be riding for her. My grandmother has Alzheimer's and is in the last stages. She hasn't know who I was for over 7 years and she managed to stare a hole into my soul and whisper my name. My heart leaped with joy and I cried hard into her shoulder and told her I loved her.
 |
| My Mom's Parents |
 |
| My loving husband |
I am amazed by the energy and power I gained from these few days. The healing river and the feeling of love filled me and gave me strength to know that I can conquer this journey. The Journey in so many ways is to heal the hurts of the past and grow stronger to face the rest of my life with peace and joy! I pray God fills me with his power and love each pedal stroke and each challenge along the way.!
I want to thank My husband Nathanael... What an amazing man you are! The support, encouragement, belief, love, and care you have given me the past 12 months has been amazing! I can't think of a better man to have stand beside me on this journey and to spend my life with! I love you and Thank you for your gift of love a
nd kindness!! Thank you for handing me water and food to keep me going in the races. Thank you for letting me ride my bike all over Texas and not making me feel guilty for being off training so much! Thank you for telling me to go ask Bike Barn if I could take this trip!!
In addition to my husbands love and support I want to Thank all of my friends, co-workers, and supporters! Bike Barn.. has been amazing in letting me take this journey. Thank you Lee, Neil, and Jamie for making a dream be able to come true. My Staff!! You are amazing! Paul, Nicole, Tim, Roy, Larry, John, Justin, and Richie!! Thank you for your support... fixing my bike multiple times, listening to me complain about my butt or how tired I am, and stepping up to be leaders and take care of the shop while I am away breaking more stuff for you guys to fix!
To my riding friends!! Thank you for all the sweat and tear!! Cesar, Sonya, and Kevin have made my training special and fun. I can't thank everyone enough!!!
The races, the camping, the early morning rides, the long and epic rides were all gifts!!!
I have received so many generous donations from friends, family, and co-workers. Thank you for each and every dollar! I will use to feed and keep myself rested.
