Starting in May of 2017, my life began to resemble a soap opera. It seemed so absurd, so sad, so not real that I went to sleep at night hoping I would awaken to find it a dream. Unfortunately, it was real.
The personal challenges, the heartache, the pain were all shared with my family. I learned the deepest value of family and close friends and have become a better person because of them. Thank you so much--I love you--we all will continue to heal together.
While all that was going on, I had surgery on my shoulder and knee--the 13th and 14th surgeries of my life. I also have more torn tissue and other orthopedic issues so severe that I have had to give up my beloved horseback riding forever.
I also went through feeling the worst I ever have. With much testing and an amazingly dedicated rheumatologist, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. What the...
I realize I am luckier than most who have chronic illness or disease, and eternally grateful every day. I am, however, finding challenges in replacing my athletic life. Gone is horseback riding, basketball, softball, tennis, running and all that. So I have turned my attention to cycling the past 1.5 years. I love getting out in nature, racing against no one, and doing good for my body. It can be as social or as quite as I want.
I have participated in two Bike the Drive events and raised funds in the hope for finding a cure for diabetes during the Tour de Cure ride. It is a disease that has affected my brother, father, and me. You can check out my fundraising page and make a donation main.diabetes.org/site/TR?px=12563016&fr_id=12322&pg=personal
So the point is, when a door shuts, a window opens. When scared, hurting or in doubt, family is the best harbor. And when looking to find yourself, be kind, be patient and know where you are is where you need to be.
See you on the road!
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