Big girls don't cry...

        One thing I've learned over the years is, as long as I plan ahead, I can overcome anything my crazy challenging life presents me with.  Airport security was no exception; I had a system to get through it fully in tact, and it hasn't failed me three times over the past year.

      So as long as I make sure to get to the airport super early before the huge lines, and give the security guard my whole life story (and maybe my first born...) they always let me go through without removing my shoes or any of my bionic paraphernalia. This whole re-assembly could be a possible cause for missing my flight.

     First I tell them I have MS, therefore I have an electronic nerve zapper to make my toes go up when I walk, but it also causes the metal detector to go off as well.  

     Then I have my brace for the hyper-extension in my knee, which is metal and... yep... a "metal" detector WILL go off...

                                           

        Of course, getting the nerve zapper and brace to line up just right is a fine science and timely ordeal.

     Then I show the guard my Doctor's note to carry on my syringes for my MS meds, which could be a weapon..., along with the mentor card, certifying my reconstruction from my breast cancer, which I guess can also throw up a red flag under ex-ray, but I had it covered...  

          The flight from Toledo to Punta Gorda was easy peasy; I gave them my song and dance, and after a thorough pat down, x-ray and wanding I was on my way; fully intact.

    I was amazed at how smoothly my flight there was; I even had my own personal body guard meeting me upon arrival...

     Okay... it was my cousin, but he thought he was my body guard... :)

     Now my flight back home didn't start out quite so pleasant.  That day Punta Gorda security wasn't so nice...

      It was so unlike last year; where I breezed through security with a smile on my face.

     This year we left for the airport in what would seem like plenty of time, based on my experience last year; only this time they surprisingly had two flights taking off from this tiny airport, and the line wrapped around the building. 

     I had a little bit of anxiety, wondering if I would have the time to go through my whole routine and make it to the plane on time.  But it soon faded when I started up a friendly conversation with the couple ahead of me. They were heading to Kansas City; which confirmed that there were in fact two flights taking off that morning.

     We had been in line for quite some time, and as we approached the security check point, there was a stern looking guard standing in between the two conveyor belts.  As stone faced as a robot, he yelled out commands, one after another... " Empty your pockets, place all electronics and liquids in the bins, and remove your coats and shoes...!!"  This was okay, I would just politely tell him my situation and he would let me through intact.

     Unfortunately, this guy wasn't in the mood to make any exceptions.  I mentioned very nicely that security always lets me keep my shoes on because it's hard to get them off and back on with my brace, and in return I allow them to turn me inside out... He didn't care; he snapped back "well your taking them off today!!"

     I wanted to argue my case further, but my anxiety had gotten the best of me, and tears began to well up in my eyes.  I feared the whole production could cause me to miss my flight. But the nice lady in front of me said "don't worry, I'll help you take your shoes off", as she bent down and started to untie my laces... the lady behind me then said "I'll put your luggage on the conveyor belt..."   At this very humbling moment my tears were in full force.  I don't know if it was the anxiety, the way the guard made me feel, or simply the fact that people were being so kind that was causing them; but now I was an emotional train wreck.

     By the time we had gotten to the metal detector I was rendered speechless (which doesn't happen often...).  The female security guard said "what's wrong honey?" Before I could get the words out the ladies on either side of me replied "That guard made her take her shoes off, regardless of her brace".  The female guard said "He should have never done that.  Don't worry, we'll help you put them back on."

     Of course not knowing my story, then subsequently  hearing the metal detectors go off like the forth of July, she told me, unfortunately, she had to give me a very thorough search.  I already knew that, and I patiently stood there as she eventually named every freckle on my body.

     She then had me sit as she ran the wand over my brace, and to no surprise, it too began to beep.  She suspiciously ran it over again, and yet once more.  Perplexed, she asked another guard what she should do... he said "It's metal; it WILL beep. Let her go."

     Just then the lady I had befriended in line earlier ran up to me and said she would get my things from the conveyor because my flight was boarding.

     My shoes were finally back on, and I was eventually on my way, but by now the airport was an absolute ghost town; the plane had completely boarded.  At this point all I wanted to do was make it on that plane, and I did.

  

       As I was pulling my luggage down the tiny airplane isle, I remembered that when I checked my seat assignment the night before It looked as though the seat next to my isle seat was vacant.  This was one consolation, because as much as I love to talk, I was in no mood by now.

     As I got to my seat I noticed the gentleman by the window had a mile high stack of papers on his lap, and it was obvious he was a business man hoping to catch up on some work, which was just fine with me because I didn't want to engage in any idle chit chat anyway. I just wanted to be left alone.

     I was finally situated in my seat and ready for a quiet flight home, where I could sit silently and wallow in my own self pity.  But I looked up, and a young man, I'm guessing in his mid twenties was standing in the isle next to me.  He said "Excuse me, I think that middle seat is mine...". I stood up to let him through and he looked down at my brace... He then said "Torn ACL??"  I hear this on a daily basis and this is the point where I usually say something humerus like "It was a bar fight or a run in with a bear...", but I wasn't feeling it, so I just said No, MS..."  he then said "Oh, I'm so sorry:(".  

     Just then, I realized my pity party made this young man feel bad; something I never wanted to do.  So I quickly put on my happy face and said "Don't be sorry!! After 31 years I'm still walking!!  Last summer I rode 55 miles in the Bike To The Bay and two days ago I went skydiving!!" That awkward sorrow was soon over.  As he sat down, he told me the only reason he asked was because he had torn his ACL, and the brace brought back memories.

     By the time the flight landed he had told me the whole story of his brutal soccer injury, and of course I told him my life story as well:)

     As I was leaving the airport my new friend yelled out from across the way "It was a real pleasure talking with you!!"  And I knew my old self was back:)

      I learned some extremely valuable lessons that day.   First... as much as I want to prove to the world I'm a very strong woman; a melt down is still very possible. Second... It might only take one unkind person to steal your spirit, but there are many more kind people waiting to build it back up.  And lastly... You can plan all you want, and rely on the kindness of others... but at the end of the day, you're the only one who controls your happiness.

Have a great day!!

Christine:)

I might not be perfect; but I'm certainly good enough!

          Growing up with three brothers and a baby sister, my childhood seemed, at the time, insignificant.  Nothing about me stood out, and it was easier to sit back and say very little, than to wonder if what I had to say was of value.

     This was the case all through my grade school years, and it wasn't until many challenges and life lessons that I realized that what I had to say was, in fact, important.

     A few weeks ago, my long time friend, Lisa McCutcheon who I knew since I learned to walk, informed me that there was talk of a mini St. Clement class of 77 grade school reunion, hopefully taking place over the holidays.  All these years the only ones I really kept up with were Lisa and Anita Schmitz, and my curiosity had gotten the best of me.  I really wanted to go and see what had become of my peers.

     The person in charge of the details was Michael Duffey, who was the most popular kid in our class.  We may have exchanged two words in that eight year period if any, but those were different times.

     I was the second one to arrive, and though I could have never picked Michael out of a police lineup, standing there was a man who seemed to look like he recognized me, and it turned out to be him.

     Now, for any of you who know me today, you can imagine I've already told my whole life story before Michael had gotten his first word out.  But when he did, his comment to me was "You were so quiet in grade school!"  I told him that was because back then I didn't think I was good enough.  He asked me why I thought that, and I explained to him that that little girl didn't know any better.  She felt like she wasn't smart enough, or rich enough, or pretty enough, therefore, she felt like she had nothing to say.

     Michael replied that he remembered me being pretty, but I was extremely quiet.  I told him "was" is the operative  word.  I've since learned that I have plenty to say.  After raising three children, while surviving breast cancer, and living with MS for over thirty years, along with the many battle scars I've endured over time, I now know that everything I have to say is important; maybe not to everyone, but "someone".

                              

     It was great seeing my old classmates; though unfortunately, only a mere handful were able to make it.  As the evening progressed we somehow got on the topic of going back and changing things in our life, and I admitted that there is not one thing about my life that I would ever want to change.  My life has made me who I am today. 

          I've come a long way since that little girl from 40 years ago, and it's all due to the many hurdles I've crossed.  And after riding my bike 55 miles with my team of 40 to cross that finish line in the MS Bike To The Bay last year, it confirmed that no hurdle is too high if you want it bad enough.

     To that little girl who thought she had nothing to say so many years ago, I say "It's true, I may not be perfect... but I'm certainly good enough!"

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

Having faith isn't always enough; sometimes the message has to be delivered to your door.

     This world is full of great leaders, as well as many followers.  I really believe I could lead anyone!  The problem is, I usually need someone to point me in the right direction.

     A few years back I was somewhat forced to figure things out on my own, and I was clueless what direction I was going. There are a few things I'm okay at, but I would never call myself a writer.  A "talker" absolutely, a writer... not so much.  But if I saw my words on paper maybe it would help me make sense of them, hence my days of writing began.

     After taking that leap of faith writing soon become my passion, but what was I supposed to do with it??  I could always publish a book, and though I've had many names thrown my way, I couldn't just team up with some random person only to see my one chance fizzle, and never again have the opportunity to use my words for good.  This was where my blog came in.  There was no risk, so I could do what I love and no one could stop me.

     Last fall when I planned my trip to visit my cousin down south, he nor I would have ever guessed it would come at a time when we both needed answers.  And who would have ever guessed we could actually help each other find them.

     I mentioned to Keith that I knew all of the people and things in my life were there for a reason, but I just needed someone to tell me what to do with them.

     Keith asked me if I like to read because he had a couple of great books that really helped guide him.  I said I don't like to read paper back books anymore for two reasons...number one; it seems my arms have shrunk over the years and it's exhausting holding a book three feet away to read it.   Number two; I can't start a story without seeing how it ends, and I don't usually have time for a whole book. Now, articles on line... that's right up my alley.

     My brilliant cousin had a solution for me.  He E-mailed me a link for the first book.  It arrived in my "in box" on a Sunday afternoon and I figured I would read the first few pages to see if I could get the gist.  I couldn't stop reading, so five hours later I had completed the book and made sure to thank Keith for helping me find a way to spend my Sunday:)  The second book, unfortunately, couldn't be found electronically, so I guess I would have to wait for the movie... 


     I had forgotten all about the book thing, though Keith and I continued to E-mail back and forth, sharing helpful words of wisdom.

     One day I received a package sent by "snail mail", wrapped in orange plastic, covered with the words "thriftbooks".  I opened it and was surprised to find a paperback book titled "The greatest miracle in the world" inside...

     I couldn't figure out why someone was sending it to me.  There was no return address and I surely didn't order it.  A million possibilities went through my head.  The first being some random evangelist sending it to everyone on earth, hoping someone reads it.  The second being the fact it was marked "thriftbooks" (I later learned this was an actual on-line book store)  but I thought maybe some thrift shop was clearing out there inventory, took a general mailing list and said "okay, let's start with the Ks".  I didn't know but it seemed a little creepy, so I really just wanted to get rid of it.

     I threw it in a large plastic bin in my storage room  where I toss things that need to be broken down for the garbage.  I no sooner dropped it before I picked it back up.  Why did I have this?  Things have shown up at my door in the past and there's always a reason.  But then I dropped it again...

     On garbage day I broke all of the boxes down as usual and emptied them, but couldn't get myself to take that book out, so there it sat  all by it's self.  A couple days later Keith and I were emailing back and forth and he said "read any good books lately?? lol".  That was random, and I tried to figure out the segue, but couldn't.

     The next day he E-mailed me with concern.  He asked me if I got the book he sent me.  I told him I didn't see the attachment.  He said "no, a paperback..."  Oops!  I went over to the bin and pulled it out.  I could have just said "yes, thanks", but he got the whole rundown.  Hey, anything for a good story:)  I told him I guess this means now I'm going to have to read a paperback book again.  He E-mailed me back informing me not to worry, the next shipment would contain arm extenders:)

     Of course, I certainly had to read this book because there had to be a great message in it.  That's the way it always works, when someone goes through that much trouble there usually is.  I have a CD with all of my favorite songs on it and  I listen to it every single day when I workout and otherwise.  The songs themselves bring back fond memories of earlier times, but if I really listen I always find the messages within them.

     This book was no exception to the rule, along with giving me some answers to questions I've been puzzled by, this book taught me that I have the power to make my life what ever I want it to be, and if I point myself straight ahead I'm sure I'll eventually know just what that is:)

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

Life sure can be funny.

     We waste so much energy trying to be politically correct, that sometimes I think we make matters worse.  Acknowledging race or disabilities have become such taboo that it ends up being a real challenge to come up with the perfect words so we don't offend someone.  

     I've found myself referring to some one by saying "you know, the one with the green shirt... round earrings..."  Come on, I don't remember what color their shirt was.  I don't even remember what I had for breakfast... That's not true; it was oatmeal, but that's only because I'm obsessed with oatmeal.

     So I was at the grocery store and I was standing there looking at something on the shelf, when an older gentleman (or maybe I should say senior citizen...) came up to me in a power scooter.  He looked at my brace on my leg and like millions of people before him, being "Captain Obvious" he made that infamous comment "that can't be comfortable".  With thirty years (give or take) ahead of me, for the sake of time, by now I knew I had to have this down to a science.  Remember the old "bar fight" story... 

     Well, this man looked too sincere and I didn't feel right shooting him that sarcastic reply.  However, I was glad I had my filter on because at first I was going to say "it isn't, but at least I'm still walking..." Immediately, I realized that might be hurtful, considering he was in a power scooter. Instead, I said "it's not, but I do what ever I have to".  He wasn't content with that answer, so he had to ask me what I did... Since he had opened up Pandora's box I had to give him the whole rundown.  You know the MS, the toe, the zapper, the knee, the brace, yatta, yatta, yatta...

     When I was finished with my story I'm guessing he knew it would be awkward to just say "Oh", because he then replied "I'm so sorry; your very pretty!"  Now, I could have interpreted that to mean "it seems like such a waste to have a pretty face on a messed up body". Instead, I humbly took it as a compliment, smiled and thanked him.

     But I also felt like that was a strange way to leave the conversation myself, so I said "maybe I should have given you my usual explanation, which is "I was in a bar fight".  He laughed and said "that's funny! I like that!!". Who'da thunk...

     You can dance around it all you want, but at the end of the day, life sure can be funny.


Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

just when you think your life is challenging...

     I know we've all had our moments where we think life isn't fair, but I've always tried to convince myself that the things we learn from our struggles are well worth the trouble and just one more life lesson.

     So as you know I'm planning to take a trip by myself as a test to see if I can do it on my own, with my bionic leg and all of the interesting things that accompany it.  However, just removing everything to get through security might be enough to send the other passengers behind me through the roof.

     I won't lie, I've started thinking of all of the complications  I could face while left to do everything on my own.  Yes, I have two perfectly developed legs, but my brain doesn't always communicate with one of them, and I know I'll need to make sure to remember to focus and not let my mind get ahead of myself and go flying.  I'm bringing along a carry-on and tote, and I know it'll be up to me to lift them on and off of the plane and up to the overhead storage.

     I'll be lugging both of them across the airport by myself, and while you're probably thinking "Are you kidding?!?!?  It's the freaking Toledo Express Airport; give me a break!!!"  Well, to you it might be a baby airport, but to me it feels like eight miles, because every step is exhausting, thought out and deliberate.

     I know it's my own test and my decision to do this, but all of the fear and questions of "why me" totally left my mind when I was given this you-tube video to watch.  I was told it would blow me away and I needed to at least watch the first five minutes and I would no doubt have to see it to the end.

     It was about a man named Nick Vujicic.  Nick was born without any arms or legs.  The only minute form of mobility he had was a mere stump of a foot with about two or three measly toes protruding out from it.  If you ever have a spare half an hour and you really need something to prove to you life is good, you have to watch this. At least the first five minutes...

Nick Vujicic: Best life changing inspirational video of all time.


     In this video Nick is on a stage in front of an auditorium of  high school students, speaking from on top of a six foot long table, with a telephone at the other end of it.  He asks how do you think he would make his way to that phone with out any arms or legs... He then replied "one step at a time", as he used those tiny little toes to inch his way to the other end of the table.  He explained that even if he had two legs it wouldn't matter because you can only take one step at a time.  Ironically, Nick didn't feel like he was missing anything because his life was perfect.

     He then mentioned how he can fall over and it might take him 100 attempts to get back up but  it doesn't matter because eventually he will do it.

     Well, I made it through the first five minutes of that video and before I knew it I had seen it to the end, and was not only humbled, but in tears.

     I guess my point in all of this is if you ever think life isn't fair, all you have to do is look around and realize anything is possible.


Have a great day!!

Christine:)

Okay, so maybe I don't know everything...

     I've had MS for 30 years now and if anyone knows how this crazy disease works, it's me.  I've read up on every tip and trick to help fight the things that attack my body, and at the end of the day I do what I know in my mind to work the best.

     Eating healthy; been there done that... My nerve zapper to make my toe go up, my bionic leg to stop my hyper extension, and then the good ole injections three times a week to stop progression.  I know it all, and any other tip and trick is probably just a pipe dream to give people hope that they can be cured.

     You know my routine of the treadmill  and strength training and then my bike; I do absolutely everything in my power to fight this battle and I know the number one thing I can do is keep my body strong.

     Last spring when I was at the bike to the bay I started a conversation with one of the volunteers who was passing out medals at the finish line.  He also happens to have MS.  Well, you know us MS people, we all swap war stories and tips and tricks.

     Chuck told me he used to have very bad debilitation due to MS and he was unable to walk for months.  He began doing yoga and now he  can walk again.  He developed a "Yoga for MS" DVD, which he was selling for 20 bucks and suggested I try it.

     What he didn't get was I can walk, and always could; my only real disability I have is my footdrop, which I have had for over 12 years.  Nothing was ever going to make that go away, until the day we have a miracle cure for myelin replacement.

     I really didn't need anymore "tricks" to help me.  Sure, I had spacticity in my toes, but that was a residual effect from my foot drop, and that was what my muscle relaxers were for.  Of course, the muscle relaxers don't have a direct route to my toes and sometimes my whole body has to be knocked out before my toes get the message.  Let's not forget the brace for my hyper-extension, but again it's all part of the domino effect of the footdrop, and by now we've got this MS thing completely figured out;) 

     As usual, I politely acted as if I was interested and said I would be back later.  Who was I kidding... I was saving my money and I wasn't coming back.  

     However, I was handed twenty bucks from a concerned and maybe overly optimistic friend and after some persuasion I had no choice but to get the DVD.

     A couple weeks after the bike to the bay, that concerned/overly optimistic friend asked if I started the yoga yet.  I admitted I hadn't but I had a million reasons why not.  I was already doing everything in my power to keep healthy and I just didn't have any more free days to add yoga to the mix.

     After a few more nagging comments I decided to give this yoga thing a try just so I could say I did it.  I knew the strength training was the most important thing I could do for my health but who knows, maybe the yoga would help the spacticity in my toes.

          I was pleasantly surprised that my spacticity was actually getting better and I was convinced that it was worth keeping Yoga in the rotation.  

     Did I think Yoga was beneficial to my MS it's self??  not really.  All it was was breathing and stretching.  If I didn't keep my body from getting week nothing else I did mattered.

     Then the other day I was catching up on a couple of my recorded movies, and by the time the movies were done, after sitting like a slug for so long I had practically grown roots into my sofa.

     When I got up to call it a night something frightening happened.  My right leg (the one with the footdrop) had absolutely no strength in it.  I could feel it buckling beneath me.  I kind of felt like the scarecrow from the Wizard Of OZ.

     At first I convinced myself it was from lack of blood flow from sitting on my foot for so long.  but as I hopped on the strong foot and barely put any weight on my weak one, some time had passed before I realized the strength wasn't coming back.  

     With having MS for 30 years, I had heard many stories of people suddenly losing function in their legs for long periods of time, maybe even forever; but the foot drop was always the extent with me.  I have plenty of strength in my legs, but what if the connection from my brain to my leg was suddenly gone, and that was the last day I would ever walk again??

     I went to bed with the hopes of sleeping it off.  maybe by morning it would be back to normal and I would be right back on my treadmill and strength training, never skipping a beat.

     Well the next morning my leg was like an over cooked piece of spaghetti, and I started thinking that in spite of all my efforts my days of walking could actually be over.

     There was no way my leg was going to hold up my seemingly 300 pound body to do the treadmill, and I had absolutely no strength to do my strength training.  But I had to do something...  It wasn't my day to do yoga but it was my only option. 

     I got on my yoga mat and did my one hour of stretching with therabands and deep breathing.  When I was finished I just laid there for about 15 minutes, wondering how the day, and possibly my life was going to go.

     The crazy thing was, when I stood up I actually felt the strength back in my legs again.  It was something I would never believe if you told me it happened to you.  But when I tried to make sense of all of this I started to realize that while it's true my foot drop is there forever;  building muscle, while beneficial in preventing atrophy, is not addressing the area where this crazy disease starts; and that's in the brain.  Oxygen to the brain can help the nerve signals to the rest of the body and it's the misfiring of the nerves that control every crazy transient symptom of MS.

     My body went completely back to normal; as normal as can be expected.  Yes, I still have footdrop and hyper-extension, but I'm still walking.  This made absolutely no sense, but then, nothing about MS makes sense:/

     So the next time I try to convince my self I have all the answers, I guess I have to remind myself; maybe I don't know everything:)

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

Our Eyes are the window to our soul.

   Today I'm going back in time to one of my first stories I wrote a few years ago, after I discovered my love of writing; this is one of a very early revelation that took a very long time to sink in.

      As you know, I've been talking about all of the inquisitive people I've encountered lately, and a friend mentioned that the reason I have so many people approaching me is that I have the look of an approachable person.  That reminded me of a story I wrote a few years ago about an experience that happened as a child that didn't make sense until many years later.  If you have a few minutes I hope you'll read it and maybe it will make sense to you as well:)

 OUR EYES ARE THE WINDOW TO OUR SOUL

By Christine Kajfasz

     We’re often told that we must make eye contact so that others know we’re listening to them, but I think the reason goes well beyond that.  They say our eyes are the one thing on our bodies that never change, from the day we are born until the day we die.  They are the one constant throughout our life.

     A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it isn't necessarily the words that tell the story.  When we look into a person’s eyes we see beyond their skin, past the clothing they wear to try so hard to impress others with, and straight to the beauty that lies within their soul.  That is the one thing we keep for a life time.

     Back when I was in elementary school, I, like most kids my age, was always worried about being judged.  The things we wore and the things we said, would make a huge impact on how others perceived us.

     When I was in the fourth grade I was chosen be Lucy in the school play “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”.  I was so excited about being selected and I immediately began to think about how I had to dress, all the while making sure I didn't forget my lines.

     The dress I wore was bright red with this cute bow in the back and puffy short sleeves.  My hair was in adorable dark brown pig tails tied with ribbons.  I felt so proud that I was able to depict this fabulous icon.  I began to study my lines in the attempt to have them down to a T and things were going well. 

     In the story, Lucy was going to be a witch for Halloween and therefore, not only did I have to play Lucy, but I also had to play Lucy portraying a witch.  This meant I really had to practice because one mess up would make me the laughing stock of the school.

     As I was going over my lines, the panic set in when I discovered that in one of my lines I had to say “And I’m beautiful”.  I just couldn't say that in front of my classmates.  That was not something I felt I was and to hear me say it, even in acting, seemed ridiculous.  The other kids would surely make fun of me.

     With a lot of thought I figured out a solution.  Lucy had this ugly witch’s mask that she would put on for trick or treating.  If I could just put it on as I was saying those words I wouldn't have to make eye contact with the audience; therefore I wouldn't know what they were thinking.

     The day of the play had arrived and everything was going according to plan, then it came time for me to say those scary words.  I quickly put the mask in front of my face and confidently blurted out “And I’m beautiful!”.  At that point the audience laughed.   I had no idea if it was because of the absurd statement that came out of my mouth, or because it came from the hideous mask I hid behind.  There was no way to know for sure.  Though I was never nominated for an Oscar for my acting, I also never faced any ridicule, so it couldn't have been that bad.

     The next day life went on as usual.  No fingers pointed but no autographs were exchanged either.  I guess when we hide behind a mask, that’s when the prejudice begins.   If we want people to see our true inner beauty we have to let them see our soul.  When we look deep into someone’s eyes that’s when we see that inner beauty.  Our eyes are the window to our soul.

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

     

Olander Park; no trail here, but It's a ride down memory lane

       

  It's true; Olander Park is by no means a serious bike trail, and comparatively speaking, it's probably one of the smallest parks outside of neighborhood parks you'll ever find.

     However, this little park, while lacking size and amenities, holds more memories than any park I know.  Back when my children were small we lived an ear shot away from this park in Sylvania Ohio, and it was a true gift every day when I took my youngest daughter Lindsay on walks there while her two older siblings were at school.

     She was only a toddler, yet our bonding time was that of two best friends.  It started out that I would push her in her stroller as we looped the one mile stretch that surrounded the small lake.  When we started bringing bread for the ducks that was the end of our power walks and the beginning of Lindsay's independence.  

     I remember pointing out the squirrels and geese along with many other objects of nature and felt so proud when she finally learned to repeat them back.

     When the stroller walks became mundane and we needed something else to stimulate the interest of this tiny little girl, that's when we decided to continue our journey by bike.

     Lindsay loved riding tandem, and what a life it must have been to ride on the back of a bike while someone else did all the pedaling.

     It was a bitter sweet day when Lindsay started school and I was left to venture this park by myself.  I no longer needed to transport a child so that was when I transitioned to rollerblading.

     When I felt like I had out grown this tiny park is when I decided to start roller blading the University Parks Trail,  and for many years I believed I would be rollerblading there for the rest of my life.  Sadly, my days of rollerblading would eventually come to an end.  But that didn't stop me, I eventually replaced the rollerblades with the bike again and I was back on the University Parks trail once more.

    However, the other day I decided I needed to take another stroll down memory lane and reminisce about some of my most  cherished memories of this iconic Olander Park.

     My intention was to go about five one mile laps around the lake and simply be alone with my thoughts.  As I made it half way through my third lap I noticed three park staff members doing some weeding and I figured I would ask them to take a photo for my blog.  After a few minutes of idle chit chat, which we all knew was par for the course, I was on my way.

     

     I had only gone two and a half  miles but I began to wonder if five times around by myself would make me go stir crazy.  I already had my pictures so anymore riding would simply be gravy.

     As I was riding past one of the parking lots, a lady got out of her car and asked me if I knew of any good bike trails.   Boy did she open up a can of worms.  I went on and on about  all of my favorites and I asked her to go to my blog and she could see some pictures of them.

     I noticed she had her bike in the back of her car and asked her if she was coming or going.  She told me she was just going to do a few quick laps around the lake.  Of course I asked her if she wanted company and  that five laps turned into 13 by the time we finished telling each other our life stories.

     It turns out she grew up in the same part of town as I did, went to the same high school just two years before me, we're both breast cancer survivors, we both ride a bike much better and further than we walk because we both have one pesky foot, and  if that isn't enough irony for you, the two of us share the same first name.

     It's good to find some one else who shares my passion in cycling and the only challenge is that she actually lives two hours away and travels between the two cities.  There's a reason our paths crossed so I'm sure we'll get together in the future.  I've said it a million times and I'll say it again... everything happens for a reason.

     Though my life journey has taken many twists over time, I often find myself returning to this quaint little park,  because no matter what life has in store for me, I always know this is one place I can go to find some of the best memories of my life.    

Have a great day!!

Christine:)

It's a small world after all

     Way back, almost a year ago, when I got this crazy notion to ride, my dream was to build a team a mile long.  At that time, in my mind 25 was huge, and if you laid them down head to toe maybe they would add up to a mile!! I wasn't sure it was possible to find that many riders but I would surely try my hardest.

   I've long since passed that number and I've learned there are a lot more people that care about this cause than I gave credit.

     

     When I first started recruiting, my friends Kelly and Jim, from an MS meeting that we go to monthly, were among a couple of the first to join my team.

     As I started asking more people, I knew it wasn't going to be hard to see my team grow.  I was pleasantly surprised when my friends Bill and Lori said they would ride.  In fact Lori said her boss, the owner of Mike's Southwest Grill would probably sponsor our team shirts because he has a daughter with MS who is also riding.  I said "Hey, maybe she'll join our team!!" 

     When I saw Lori again I asked her if she had approached her bosses daughter; Lori told me his daughter was already riding on a team, but her boss still wanted to sponsor our team shirts.

     I was bound and determined to get her on my team, but every time I asked Lori she said his daughter wasn't changing because she was committed to the other team, and I could respect that because I would hope my friends were that committed to me:)

     A few months later when the shirts came in I took a couple in to my MS meeting to give to my team mates, Kelly and Jim.  Kelly's mom happened to come along with Kelly that day.  Her mom told me that she wanted to buy a shirt, which we happened to be selling to raise more money for our team.  I was thrilled that she wanted to purchase one and gave her the shirt. 

     A few minutes later she approached me and asked how I got a particular logo on the back of my shirt.  I told her they were my sponsors.  She said she knew her husband was sponsoring a team but had no idea it was this one. 

     So as it turns out, I was spending all of this time trying to recruit someone from another team and it was my team she was committed to all along.  

     This may not be Disney World, but it sure is a small world after all:)

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)

When a grey cat crosses your path does that mean mediocre luck??

     

     The University parks trail is a trail I used to love to roller blade every day, back before this MS business decided to make things complicated.

     I would travel from one end to the other and back in about one hour; approximately 13 miles.  Every night like clock work I put on my blades and hit the trail as though there wasn't a care in the world.

    The fact that MS and foot drop has made it impossible for me to roller blade any more isn't going to stop me from hitting that trail again; only now it's on my bike.  In the past couple of weeks I went on that trail with friends, and it brought back fond memories from the past.  However, I wouldn't dream of hitting the trail by myself anymore.  What if I got a flat?? or wiped out??  Who would help me??

     The other day I had plans with friends, to ride the Wabash Cannonball trail, which starts by Fallen Timbers Mall and goes out by Oak openings park.  I was really looking forward to the ride and it was a long trail, but I planned to divide it into three parts with breaks in between to see if I could actually make it 35 miles in one day.

     However, the plans fell apart and we had to cancel the ride.  I was a little bummed; I actually had bike shorts on with padding so the long ride didn't make make my poor little booty ache for days.

     But I wasn't crazy!  I totally had to wear gym shorts over the padded shorts.  I mean, what girl wants extra padding?  We're always asking "does this make my butt look big!?!?"  Well, hello!!  padded shorts!!  Heck yes, they make your butt look big!!

     But that was neither here nor there because we weren't going anyway... But wait... this was my chance to take that leap of faith again and do my favorite trail on my own.

     At the University Parks Trail there were a lot of people who had the same idea as me, and I felt comfortable knowing that if I did break down I could surely get some help.

     But as I got further along the crowd started to thin and I knew it was time to head back;  Okay, I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid.

     At the end of my ride I came across a young couple sitting on a park bench lacing up their roller blades and I decided to ask them to take a picture for my blog before they began their ride.  

     They were more than happy to, and as the girl was taking a couple pictures the guy continued to lace his blades.  I mentioned to them that I was riding in the MS bike to the bay.  They said "good for you!" They just so happened to have a friend who was newly diagnosed with MS.

     I told them I have MS, and for many years I had roller bladed this trail, only now with the MS I've traded in my blades for a bike.

      I thanked them for taking the time to help me and the young man said " It's no problem, this is my first time on roller blades and I was glad to stall!"

     Thinking back, I knew the feeling, and I assured him one day he would love it!!

     Oh... the grey cat thing... so as I was riding, this grey cat came darting out from nowhere, and the first thing that went through my mind was "dang lucky that cat wasn't black!!"  But when a grey cat crosses your path does that mean mediocre luck?  That day I would call it GOOD!

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)