Saturday, March 14, 2015

Starting over

It's been a long time since I've posted here, so it really is a new beginning.  Not just a restart on the blog, but also a restart on my life.

My husband of almost 47 years passed away not long ago and I must set about creating a new reality for myself.  It begins, of course, being based in everything I've experienced in the past but now I face a future that doesn't include my partner.

It does include the friends and family that are such a vital part of my existence. It includes the interests and hobbies that engage me and stretch my mind and body. And it most certainly will be rich with new experiences and new friends even as I grieve what I have lost.

The beginning has its roots in the past as I prepare for another big cycling adventure. The Atlantic Coast tour begins in little more than a month.  I don't know that I'm exactly ready for it, but I want to do it and I need to do it.  I will find myself in the company of some cherished friends that I met on the Southern Tier tour two years ago along with twenty new riding buddies that I can't wait to meet. As with the last tour, I expect that there will be many new experiences, some growth and probably some comfort found in unexpected places.

Just knowing what to expect in terms of logistics and patterns has reduced much of the anxiety and that certainly makes the preparations less stressful. I'm pretty sure I know what to pack and how to pack it. I am much more knowledgeable about my bike, bike handling, cue sheets, maps and even the more esoteric uses of a smart phone (excellent for locating the nearest Dairy Queen) - though I haven't been able to find an app that will carry my bike up the stairs.

Spring is finally here and tomorrow I will be back on my bike for the first time in many weeks.  

Forward, always forward.


11 comments:

Janice in GA said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. :( Best wishes to you, and much sympathy.

Enjoy your new tour!

Judi said...

Thank you Janice.

Sharlene Washington said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sharlene Washington said...

Sorry for your loss, but kudos to you for staying strong. I followed you on your Southern Tier ride and look forward to your adventures on the east coast. I think three of my friends from my Southern Tier crossing last year will be with you. I have signed up for was coast 2016 So this will be exciting!

Judi said...

Thanks Sharlene, maybe we'll meet up on a tour someday.

Ken said...

Judi, Lora and I send our condolences on your loss. Knowing that some of those 47 years were spent in the military the word "partner" has a much greater meaning of your lives together than many will understand. Stay strong and keep the wheels turning. I (we) look forward to sharing a few more miles with you in the future.

Judi said...

Thanks Ken. I am sure I will be back in your part of the world soon. Haven't checked to see where/when the tour goes through there, but if not then, I'm sure I will be visiting Boston/Provincetown in the future.

Anne R. said...

Judi:
I am so sorry to hear of of your husband's death, and send you all good wishes and a big hug.

I am glad you have the big tour coming up and look forward to reading about it. May it mark a good passage for you as you move into your new future.

Anne Ronan

tombetz said...

I had no idea - I'm so sorry. Sincere condolences on your loss. Words fail me...

Judi said...

Thank you Anne - I've really appreciated your support and helpful advice over the past few years. Who'd a thunk it would come to this, not one but two epic tours.

Judi said...

Oh Tom, thank you for caring. You are my role model for persistence and consistency and your encouragement has been very important to me.