I recently took a good look around me. Have you ever done that? I mean taken a really good, long look at your life, what you've accomplished, what dreams you have achieved? Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day noise of our lives, that we don't stop and look around. It's good to look back and see how far you've come. It makes the journey worthwhile. I don't always see the progress I've made until I stop and take a breath.
I realized that I have a wonderful husband of almost 16 years, a beautiful family of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I have obtained my bachelor's degree. I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I have a great job, my health, etc, etc.
I also have something that some may not understand. Others may take it for granted. If my mother were still alive she would roll her eyes and sigh loudly. I have my Harley, Victoria. She gives me freedom that I never had before I learned to ride. She gives me the open road and a license to go where I wish, when I wish, with whom I wish. She gives me the power to draw my own map.
I recently went on a day trip with my best friend, Toni. We took our bikes up to Woods Canyon Lake. We like to ride up there and hang our hammocks and enjoy the cool forest of northern Arizona. We don't do it often enough for either of our liking, but when we do, it's incredible. Riding up the twisty roads, tearing out of the heat of the desert headed for the cool pines up north without a care in the world. It's a great feeling. If we were in a car, it just would not be the same. Those who don't ride, just don't understand that.
Toni is moving out of state in a few weeks, and I'm heartbroken to have her move so far away. She is the closest thing to a sister that I have out here, with my family so far away. But with her moving away, I've had to stop and take a look around me. Yes, I'm heartbroken, and yes, I'll miss her dearly. But I looked back and remembered all the good times we've had together. We have laughed, cried, spat sarcastic comments at people, ridden our bikes all over the state together, and fallen down drunk at her birthday party, too. Literally. You cannot buy memories like that. I'll have those memories forever, and for that I'm truly thankful. What a long way we've come.
I'll miss you Sister, but I'll see you next year in Daytona. :)
