The Daytona Beach Tech Fair to me was incredible, I met a really great man. He works for Re/Max All Pro and really understands community and teamwork. You might have met him, he joined our network and Ian Anderson has already posted. While manning the registration table together at the fair, I really got to know him and it was instant friendship. We had a lot in common and a lot to talk about, it was amazing, as if we were destined to meet one another.
Ian and I shared something in common but not in the same capacity, you see my father, John Terwilliger has Multiple Sclerosis and Ian is riding in the MS Bike Ride. When I heard this I knew that it is destiny for me to know him. Two Realtors from two different companies, same cause. Same Fight....It's Destiny!
Now for some time I was involved with the MS Bike Ride, my brother rides every year from Miami to the Keys. I would go with him and sometimes follow him even though he is an expert rider.
Reading some of my posts, you can imagine how much my father means to me. He still is that James Dean, "Rebel Without A Cause," kind of man. A really cool guy, the first love I had...he to me is a true hero, how lucky I am, he picked me!
If you are not familiar with Multiple Sclerosis my father personally knows, I could never understand as I do not live in his shoes but I do know how it affects myself and my family.
Having multiple sclerosis means that you may suddenly have blurry vision. Or that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason. Or that you may not always be able to walk, let alone ride a bike. The symptoms of MS are different, and devastating, for everyone - the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.
Today I had lunch with Ian, we had lots to talk about, we talked at great length about Activerain (I'm paying in forward, Colleen!) among other things.
Then I got the guts to ask him, would he please ride in honor of my dad and I would help raise money for such a worthy cause. It was simple, he didn't blink an eye, "Yes," he said, "I will ride in honor of your dad." Wow, what a guy...I really do believe it's destiny!
Two wonderful things came out of my new found friendship with Ian. Now 2 people will be riding in honor of my father, John Terwilliger, Ian Anderson and my brother, Jason Terwilliger. My husband and I decided to officially volunteer and be at the finish line rooting for Ian and my dad.
To find out more information on Multiple Sclerosis, oh and feel free to donate or volunteer. Remember it affects yet another person every hour every day.
Father's Day is coming.....Don't forget to post....Look for mine in the next coming days!
p.s. I am still studying, honest!
Hi Midori,
Thank you for the wonderful post and the loving tribute to your dad. I can almost imagine the excitement and exhilaration at the finish line for all of you...it means so much.
I hope you decide to train yourself next time. I've done the MS Ride in CA, it was an amazing experience. Midori, I must tell you after finishing quite a few marathons, one year biking L.A. (marathon first) and running it afterwards, I somehow finished. Yet the MS ride was the most difficult thing I've ever done physically.
Unlike your brother,..I'm a fun rider, but for me that's about it, and that's o.k. It's such a fun ride with great support, and you will be a part of it this year as a crew member, right? From experience I can tell you, each and every rider will appreciate you this year,...and you will feel the same way next time.
My best wishes to you and your family.
Lynda-Thanks for stopping by! Yes I have had so much fun in the past with the MS Bike ride. My brother, I say he is an expert but he makes me laugh. He trains year round. While following him, he drinks beer and smokes cigarettes. I don't know how he does it but he does. Yes I really want to train for it next year. I had talked about doing this once before. Next Year it will be a goal of mine.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughts. Also for supporting such a worthy cause. More and more people are being diagnosed with MS every day and that is why stem cell research is sooooooooooo important. I will be rooting for Ian and my dad at the finish!
I only wish I could be there with you and I'd be volunteering too!
Midori.....
I am a biking tourist myself and have logged thousands of miles since I was 12 years old. I have a Trek 520 bike with 21 speeds and a very strong, yet light frame..... if it were to be offered for sale it would be worth well over $2000.00 because of the components on it.
You make me want to meet you at the AR birthday bash in Orlando......
What a quandary...I was not going to go to it... but I think I am changing my mind...because of people like YOU, sis..... professional, friendly, ladylike.....
A breath of fresh air..... =-)
Lysa-You could be there, it's in September and they will be riding from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine. I really can't wait.
Alex-Wow, that is great, riding bikes are fun and great stress busters. My mom rides her bike everyday and she is 65. I too wish you would go to the Orlando Birthday bash, I think it will be a good time. I would love to meet you! Thank you for the kind words and hopefully you will change your mind. I am counting the days to Orlando.
I have 2 friends with MS so this is a disease I am somewhat familiar with thru their experiences.
Midori - You should ride next year, you & Ian & your brother.
Midori,
What a nice tribute to this wonderful organization. Good job!
Midori...
Please except my apologies for the above comment in relation to my husband and I.
I have brought this to Caleb Mardini's attention.
There is a time and place for everything and your post is not the time nor the place for such remarks.
TLW...ROAR!
Lysa-The more the merrier!
Anna-Thank you for stopping by.
Billie-Thank you....yes I agree there is a time and place for everything. I look forward to meeting you! Thank you for stopping by!
Midori,
Since I met your father I can tell how much you care for him as well as your mom. He is a great man from what you told me. I am sure it is hard for him to do the things he enjoys but I know he will get through it. What a nice tribute and I wish all peace!
Midori,
I've missed ya! I am sorry that your father has had to deal with this disease. Like you, my Daddy is my hero!
God Bless you all and you were right, it was destiny that you meet Ian. Best wishes in the MS Bike Ride, I pray all goes well for you and all other participants.
NOW GET TO THOSE BOOKS!
Gwendolyn
Midori,
Thank you for the informative post. You covered the basics of the disease very well. Unfortunately, every person with the disease suffers different symptoms. There isn't a blood test, or a genetic test (yet) to determine who the disease will affect, or to what extent.
Keep riding for the cure, you never know who you might be helping.
(and yes, I know this is a fourmonthold post. I just found it!)