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150 for Captain Bob. (700 words)
Dear Captain Bob,
Hello from across the county! I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and spirits. I wanted to take an opportunity to write to you about my recent experiences. As you know, over the weekend I completed the longest bike ride of my life, a charity event with the purpose of curing multiple sclerosis. I wanted to thank you again for all your support, both financially and in signing the bandana I wore to signify that I had completed this ride in your honor. It really was that, an honor, and I wore it proudly.
150 miles didn't seem like very far to ride, especially since it was broken up into two 75 mile rides with a night of rest in between, but my opinion of what really is a long distance ride and what it takes to complete it changed completely about mile 60 of the first day. By then, it was opressively hot, the sun bore down on us mercilessly, and it began to take it's toll on me and my teammates as we pedaled together in silence for the last 15 miles to the college campus where the first day of riding ended. The sunny attitude of those who had completed this leg of the trip before us did not seem to sway our collective unhappiness, and I could feel the beginnings of painful blisters sprouting up all over the proud flesh of my groin.
In the night, I can only assume I was visited by the Lord of Pain. The penance for some unknown transgression was being called due, and with the most unfortunate timing. My crotch screamed electric as I attempted to slide out of the bed, legs stiff and useless. The blisters had arrived with vigor, and I knew that the ride home would be one of suffering indeed. Silently I ate my breakfast and allowed my self to surrender to self pity, and entertained notions of riding back in one of the support vehicles.
As I put on the red bandana, I took a moment to contemplate what you had written there just days before.
Happy Trails!
Bob
In that instant, I was consumed with guilt. How could I be so selfish? What was my temporary suffering compared to yours, or anyone afflicted with MS? Not knowing if any given morning you may wake up blind, unable to walk, use your hands, or any other combination of terrifying symptoms. Also knowing that however astute the doctor treating you may sound, that the reality of the situation is that so little is understood about the disease that any answer given could be theoretical at best. But as the disease process eats away the myelin sheath surrounding your nerves, leaving you progressively more disabled after each attack of symptoms, You have time to smile, feel good, and write
Happy Trails!
Bob
On a bandana for me. I have my health. I have my children. I am able to ride, run, swim and be as active as I would like. What was I complaining about, and how could I even consider giving up now? I thought about you often on the long, hot road back home. And you inspired me. I knew what I was doing had a real purpose, and that I was making a difference for people all over who are suffering far more greatly that I will hopefully ever know. It made a few blisters seem insignificant. Downright silly, to tell you the truth. So I soldiered on the next mile and the next, drawing closer to the security and safety of home with each pedal stoke.
As I crossed the finish line I whispered to myself, “There's 150 for Captain Bob”, and wished only that I could turn around and do it again. I only hope that you will again grant me the honor of representing you in future charity events. Please take care of yourself, and know for me you will always be
“O, Captain, my Captain”.
Sincerely I am,
Jason Haggard
Last edited by jhaggard29 : 10-10-2007 at 12:55 PM.
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