Days you never imagined would happen
06-13-18, 10:07 PM
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Days you never imagined would happen
When our youngest was born 23 plus years ago with Down syndrome, we should have been better equipped than many. My wife is an OT. I am an amputee and have worked with adaptive athletes for decades. Nevertheless, the prospect of raising Hanna was daunting.
Then came the leukemia diagnosis, two years of chemo, and the fears and setbacks that entailed. Many dreams and aspirations were set aside in those early years, only to be revived by the extremely talented young woman our daughter has become. She has been an extraordinary gift and inspiration.
Last weekend, my wife, Hanna and I rode the 100k version of the Trek 100. We finished the 65 miles in an elapsed time a bit over five and a half hours, at a rolling average speed close to 13 mph. The ride is a benefit for childhood cancer, a cause near and dear to Hanna's heart. It involved a fair bit of driving from Colorado to Wisconsin and back again, four cookies, five orange quarters, a slice of pizza, hundreds of new friends, ice cream,
and a declaration when we finished: "I think I'm done setting lofty goals for a while, Dad."
One of Hanna's favorite sayings is: "This is the best day ever!" Reality tells us this can't always be true, but on this occasion, I'm going with my daughter.
Edit: Sorry for the monster picture. Technology seems to have left me way behind.
Then came the leukemia diagnosis, two years of chemo, and the fears and setbacks that entailed. Many dreams and aspirations were set aside in those early years, only to be revived by the extremely talented young woman our daughter has become. She has been an extraordinary gift and inspiration.
Last weekend, my wife, Hanna and I rode the 100k version of the Trek 100. We finished the 65 miles in an elapsed time a bit over five and a half hours, at a rolling average speed close to 13 mph. The ride is a benefit for childhood cancer, a cause near and dear to Hanna's heart. It involved a fair bit of driving from Colorado to Wisconsin and back again, four cookies, five orange quarters, a slice of pizza, hundreds of new friends, ice cream,
and a declaration when we finished: "I think I'm done setting lofty goals for a while, Dad."One of Hanna's favorite sayings is: "This is the best day ever!" Reality tells us this can't always be true, but on this occasion, I'm going with my daughter.
Edit: Sorry for the monster picture. Technology seems to have left me way behind.
Last edited by tigat; 06-14-18 at 06:17 AM. Reason: forgot the ice cream
06-13-18, 10:31 PM
#3
Me duelen las nalgas
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That's fantastic! Congratulations to you all.
06-14-18, 04:27 AM
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What a beautiful picture, accomplishment and, especially, family! Thanks for sharing. You guys are blessed to have each other!
06-14-18, 05:17 AM
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What an inspirational story! I just love that smile on your daughter's face!
06-14-18, 06:19 AM
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What a inspirational testimony of overcoming obstacles and turning them into blessings - thanks for sharing and going out of your way to support such a worthy cause, and Hanna's wishes. Nice Treks, love that metallic green on yours.
Last edited by Deal4Fuji; 06-14-18 at 06:26 AM.
06-14-18, 07:10 AM
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How beautiful! (...and I don't just mean the smiles.)
06-14-18, 07:32 AM
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Loved reading this.
06-14-18, 07:48 AM
#12
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Best post and pic that I've seen on bikeforums.net in a LONG time!!
Beautiful daughter and great story!
Thanks for sharing,
Gary
Beautiful daughter and great story!
Thanks for sharing,
Gary
06-14-18, 10:30 AM
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So nice to read a great story like this! 
06-14-18, 02:20 PM
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congrats!
06-14-18, 08:28 PM
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Great story. Thanks for posting it.
Dan
Dan
06-14-18, 09:36 PM
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You are very blessed to have her @tigat.
Mine first daughter died of Leukemia back in 1996 at 4.5 years old.
Please enjoy every moment with her. She is a godsend, and beautiful.
-Tim-
Mine first daughter died of Leukemia back in 1996 at 4.5 years old.
Please enjoy every moment with her. She is a godsend, and beautiful.
-Tim-
06-15-18, 05:55 AM
#21
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You are very blessed to have her @tigat.
Mine first daughter died of Leukemia back in 1996 at 4.5 years old.
Please enjoy every moment with her. She is a godsend, and beautiful.
-Tim-
Mine first daughter died of Leukemia back in 1996 at 4.5 years old.
Please enjoy every moment with her. She is a godsend, and beautiful.
-Tim-
06-15-18, 02:07 PM
#24
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A great day indeed! Thank you for sharing. Warmed even my cranky old heart.
06-16-18, 06:56 AM
#25
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What a great lead-in story for Fathers Day weekend.
On that note, happy Fathers Day to all of us dads (and grand-dads)!
On that note, happy Fathers Day to all of us dads (and grand-dads)!
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069