Monday, July 8, 2013

Hammond, IN to Benton Harbor, MI

How fortunate that I was able to spend the entire day riding in the rain. I felt like Forest Gump in Vietnam, "One day it started raining, and it didn't quit for four months. We been through every kind of rain there is. Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath. Shoot, it even rained at night..." The rain made for a slow day of biking (85 miles) but it allowed me to focus more and pray more.

Today I was reflecting on all the memories that have been shared in our conversation about Judi. Many of these come from the great times of our youth and from good times along the way. However, life is not always great or good. Sometimes it is bitter, frustrating, and painful. Fair-weathered friends seem to be available when thing are going well but everlasting friends are there for the good times and the not so good times. Friendships must include more than fun and games. We need each other when the chips are down: Empathy when we lose a loved one, compassion when we've made a mistake, forgiveness when we've wronged another, encouragement when we'd rather give up, and a open uncritical ear when we need to release. 

Being a person of significance is conditional on how well we love and are loved in return. It is about true friendship. May you build margin in your daily life to foster and nurture deeply significant friendships.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Milwaukee to Hammond, IN

Today was the start of my remembrance ride reflecting on Judi's life and our lives in general. Socrate's statement "The I examined life is not worth living" comes to mind. The day began with a morning start from my place downtown Milwaukee. Wisconsin has a wonderful network of trails to Illinois. Then I followed another set of bike paths through Chicago, ending about 7:00 in Hammond, Indiana (125 miles).

Even though it was hot and humid all day I felt okay for Day One. Today gave me much time to reflect on Judi and the meaning of life-long friends. I believe friendship is priceless. Isn't it funny how little we invest into it? We make deposits in finances, in our careers, in living vicariously through our kids, etc., yet family and friends can get largely ignored. This should not be. May you make serious deposits in the lives of the people in your life. This matters...

Saturday, July 6, 2013

From Prayer to Remembrance...

"Dave Ebert has informed us that Judi has indeed past on into eternal life a couple of hours ago. My deepest sympathy to her entire extended family, including our HUHS Class of '83. We have lost a wonderful classmate and one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Please continue to pray for family and friends who are grieving. May we live strong and passionately like Judi. We will always love you..." [from my Facebook]

I am thankful that God allowed us to grow up with us and to share her life with us. We are all the better for it. Please take time to reflect on Judi's impact in your life. Also, please grab your family...your spouse, children, and loved ones... and hold them close. Tell them how much you love them and how your life is better because they exist. Do not wait on doing this.

We love you Judi...

Friday, July 5, 2013

Packin' and Preppin' for Tour de Judi

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I'm standing here outside my door..." 
My prayer journey in honor of my high school classmate Judi Wnuk begins this weekend. Tour de Judi is a Lake Michigan solo tour dedicated to prayer for Judi as she battles for her life. I ask you to consider setting time aside each day and pray for Judi. Please me via this blog.  Pax...