Auto Immunity: A Mother's Perspective

A Mothers Perspective

Four young men equipped with bikes, helmets and sunscreen display an attitude that will carry them from coast to coast; this is a journey for the senses. The penetrating California sun delved into every pore as the concrete roadway blazed ahead casting shadows behind the crew. Gritty sand somehow soaked into every orifice and crevice, most especially the nose, causing dryness that emphasized the heat of the day. That had been the last five days of our journey. As we travel the countryside the heady scents of flowers and alfalfa are inhaled slowly and deeply pleasingly pushing us forward. The time on the road is limited due to the sun. The sand is so f_ _ _ing hot even swift dancing feet cannot keep it from searing your soles. If not for the succulent sweet oranges (thank you Brett) dripping into cupped palms, the cool Colorado river carrying us downstream, or the welcoming smiles sent our way, this may have been a challenge. But somehow, even when purely exhausted and the rolling pin caused quivers of agony, smiles and cheers have been prevalent. These boys quickly became a team. They are solid and strong with enough heart and positive energy to inspire everyone they meet and most certainly each other.

One afternoon the only shade we could find for a break was slightly off-road. We found cover under some fern-like trees, but shortly after puzzling into place our yoga mats a nasty horsefly joined the party. He attacked with a vengeance, mostly Matt, and no one was swift enough to stop his assault – not even “The Muscle”. Slapping hands and thrown pillows could not kill this little bastard so instead of expending energy trying to whisk away a fast and fearless fly we pulled out the scrabble board. Joey won, as he won the second game we played as well – yeah Joey!

For the most part we have been able to find nice evening accommodations as rest and recovery have become a mandatory factor in this trip. After a 66 mile day we found an oasis! Waiting for the boys to ride up to see if 66 miles was enough for them (they originally were shooting for Pala Verde – 78 miles) I discovered a roadside camp. I went to speak with the manager, a gentleman named Emory with sharp blue eyes and skin darkened from hot summer rays who lives on the land year round, inside of a tent. I asked him if we could set up camp for the evening he stated “Why sure…but I can’t charge you cause I have lost my receipt book”. I didn’t see that as a problem so we settled in. An afternoon of swimming in the lake, resting and more scrabble charged us up for the next day.

As we travel onward, Joey and the crew continue to reach out to anyone who will listen and as he engages the listeners he is building momentum. The exuberance and inspiration shared is contagious and everyone we meet has appeared to be impacted by it. The crew is a band of brothers forging ahead through the heat, as the tires spin so do the stories and songs. The joy of letting go, of making their own way and working together but yet independently has created a connection so strong they know they can rely on one another. At times the levity is so dense only a sudden burst of extreme sarcasm can bring the humor into question. This is a journey of the senses as well as one for the soul. I am honored to be a part of this voyage as I see four young men growing more confident, supporting each other, and simply enjoying life to its fullest – what could be better than that?