First off I should say that I’m humbled by your prayers and concerns for me. They have reduced me to tears. The reality of my situation has hit home, the drugs are wearing off and I’m finding it hard to accept that the biking part of the tour may be over for me. So were to go from here? I think I’ll take you back to Day 29.
Day 29 Denver to Fort Morgan 143km Uphill 2113 ft Downhill 3135 ft
No tent to pack up this morning, instead Ralph drove Pete & Lynda, Bert Steenbergen and I to the Denver Christian HS. While I packed my lunch, ‘we’ pumped up my bike tires and made sure everything was set to go. I admit to having a few tears in my eyes when I said goodbye to Ralph and Lynda. It’s been such a relaxing weekend and knowing the way the last 4 weeks have flown by, the 3 weeks to Grand Rapids will go by quickly.
Barb was distracted this morning. It took her around 5 minutes to find her bike helmet (located it on the hood of a pick up truck); she is also saying good bye to Brian but will see him in around 2 weeks.
Today Joel Schreus, one of the pastors of Denver CRC is riding tandem with Barb. He knows his way around the bike paths that we are taking so John has the day off from map reading (maybe we’ll get in the exact mileage today!) It’s going to be a sweet week…downhill all the way. Walter’s SAG was the first for the day. We filled up our water bottles, chatted and we’re on our way. Around 60km we stopped for our second breakfast and coffee. I was recalling the weekend and mentioned that this was the first Sunday that I struggled to listen to the sermon. Barb is across the table from me, doing something funny with her eyes, when it clicks it…..Joel is a pastor, Joel is a pastor from one of the Denver CRC, Joel probably had something to do with the planning of this service, Cynthia needs to do some major back peddling! I quickly blamed it on the heat of the day and again reinstated that the Denver community had done a bang up job from the stamped postcards, to the baked cookies, to the free haircuts etc. Pastor Joel graciously smiled at me, but I think inside his heart he was saying a prayer of help for me.
Back to the road. We were clicking along at a good speed (around 27-28kms or hour) today. When we got back onto the interstate we encountered a head wind so I tucked in behind Gerry’s back wheel (on the right side) to find a reprieve from the wind. I don’t recall anyone calling out ‘debris’ and this is probably because the wind sucked the words away. I know that when I saw the large black rectangle object in front of my tire I had no choice but to ride over it. I hoped in my heart of hearts that it was a ‘take out’ food container that would crush when I rode over top of it, but such was not the case. I remember trying to control the swaying of my bike and then the thought that I would be taking it to the ditch. After that I remember telling Barb she did not need to call 911. I can still see the face of Sara, the first ‘angel’ on the scene. The accident itself is a blur. You can catch the details on Barb Mellema’s blog dated July 28th and 29th.
The staff at the hospital said the waiting room looked like part of the ‘Tour de France’ Alida, one of the on staff nurses for Sea to Sea stayed with me initially but then she was called away because another cyclists had fallen and broken a rib. Barb came into the emergency room and was there when the doctor confirmed that I had indeed broken my pelvis bone. It seemed surreal because I wasn’t in a lot of physical pain. I’m not sure who took the news harder, my fellow ‘pace line’ cyclists or me. On a lighter note, when the ‘guys’ did make it into the room (one at a time because those are the emergency room rules) I was able to inform them that the brain scan showed ‘normal’ activity, contrary to their opinion. If you do (or have) read Barb’s blog I will say in my defense that morphine is a powerful drug and applying humor in this situation was the only way for me to face the brutal reality that the cycling part of the tour was over for me. I will remember always the struggle of emotions for Pete, Louie, Barb, John, Andy and Gerry as they came into the emergency room and expressed in spoken and unspoken word their concern and as they shared my grief and disappointment with me. The prayers shared were a testimony of the close friendship that has bonded us together in these last 4 weeks.
When I was finally moved into a private room (I needed to stay overnight because of the concussion) Len Riemersma, our Head Chaplin paid me a visit and was present when Paul & Teresa came in. Because of the morphine and my emotional state we decided it was in my best interest to limit visitors. When the orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Keller came in he gave me the good news that the break was clean, not dislocated and that it would take 3 to 4 weeks to heal. He mentioned that since I did not require surgery he would discharge me as soon as I felt strong enough to fly home. Erinn Swett, our GR go between and organizer of all the little details was flying back to GR on a direct flight Tuesday evening. It was decided that if I could cycle up 6 passes I could muster up enough strength (or drugs) to make it on a 2 ½ hr flight. Barb was able to secure a ticket and the hospital was generous enough to allow me to stay in the room till Erinn picked me up. There are too many ‘God moments’ to share with you. Barb has mentioned several on her blog. The staff at Fort Morgan was so accommodating; allowing Barb in past regular visiting hours and taking such good care of me. At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning I heard the familiar tapping of bike shoes on a hard surface. First Paul & Teresa and shortly afterwards the guys and Barb came to say good bye before they headed off for their 138km day. John is on sweep (I was supposed to be with him) so both John and Andy Heimstra stopped in before they left. Bert, with his famous Colorado t-shirt (I wonder what t-shirt he will buy in Nebraska?) also stopped in as well as Ed and Jen. I’ve probably missed a few people (that’s where the drug line comes in handy).
Erinn drove the hour to Denver to switch her rental Mustang for a mini van for my convenience and comfort level. The Denver airport was very accommodating. My wheel chair driver was very much into speed. Poor Erinn was going at a race walk pace trying to keep up in her heeled strappy sandals. Several times we suggested that he slow down, but he assured us that he had been doing this job for 9 years and all was well. I should mention that he was slightly mentally challenged. He was very proud to be escorting me throughout this large airport. On a side note, Al Vander Hart, Development Manager for Sea to Sea had made arrangements for both Ralph & I to stay at his place overnight since our flight landed at 11:30pm. His wonderful wife, Jen drove us to their home, while Al drove Erinn to her destination. I’m pretty certain my head hit the pillow within 10 minutes of being in their home. The next morning Jen had left for work and Al had a breakfast meeting that would occupy him till 9 a.m. so after my shower we had breakfast and then we got up to leave. Ralph almost collided with Al as he came into the kitchen and this is one of those ‘God moments’. We had been prepared to leave but when Al came in along with his guest, Bill Wigboldy (Midwest Regional Director of Children’s Hunger Fund) we shared another cup of coffee and had a wonderful 1 ½ hours of laughter and encouragement. After a shared prayer, Ralph and I left with a renewed, enlighten spirit. Throughout this difficult transition I have been provided with the right people at the right time. God is good.
My family poured out of the house when we arrived home, quick to help. A meal had been lovely prepared by a friend and others have volunteered to also help in this regard.
To my fellow cyclists: I will continue to pray and follow your process thru the blogs. I regret not saying good bye but my prayer is that I will heal quickly and be able to rejoin the tour. The friendships and acts of kindness that I’ve seen demonstrated in the tour both encourage me and humble me. I feel privileged to have belonged to such a group and regret the time that I will not be able to share with you.
To the faithful readers of my blog: My blog has been an extention of who I am. Grammer, sentence structure, spelling are not my forte. In real life, I usually leap before I measure the distance. I try out new recipes for company. I believe it’s easier to seek forgiveness, then it is to get permission. But slowly I’m trying to be more aware of my surroundings. Life does not need to revolve around me, instead I look to the youth, my adult children, my husband, and my extended church family as mentors and I strive to be a better person; a more compassionate individual. I’m humbled by your emails and undeserving of your patronage. Below is a photo my husband took of me on Wednesday evening, just to let you know that I’m really not in that bad of shape.
P.S. I had an appointment with my family doctor today and received some good news. My road rash is 90% healed and when I asked about my limits, he replied, that I could basically do whatever my body allows me to. I do have some water on the knee (still waiting for confirmation from the x-rays that this is indeed what it is), but by all accounts, if I can handle the bike saddle I could be back on the tour within 3 or 4 weeks. I ask for your prayers for the cyclists, the support and SAG drivers. Also pray that if possible I will be allowed to rejoin the tour so that I can continue the task set before me.
Sincerely, Cynthia
Day 29 Denver to Fort Morgan 143km Uphill 2113 ft Downhill 3135 ft
No tent to pack up this morning, instead Ralph drove Pete & Lynda, Bert Steenbergen and I to the Denver Christian HS. While I packed my lunch, ‘we’ pumped up my bike tires and made sure everything was set to go. I admit to having a few tears in my eyes when I said goodbye to Ralph and Lynda. It’s been such a relaxing weekend and knowing the way the last 4 weeks have flown by, the 3 weeks to Grand Rapids will go by quickly.
Barb was distracted this morning. It took her around 5 minutes to find her bike helmet (located it on the hood of a pick up truck); she is also saying good bye to Brian but will see him in around 2 weeks.
Today Joel Schreus, one of the pastors of Denver CRC is riding tandem with Barb. He knows his way around the bike paths that we are taking so John has the day off from map reading (maybe we’ll get in the exact mileage today!) It’s going to be a sweet week…downhill all the way. Walter’s SAG was the first for the day. We filled up our water bottles, chatted and we’re on our way. Around 60km we stopped for our second breakfast and coffee. I was recalling the weekend and mentioned that this was the first Sunday that I struggled to listen to the sermon. Barb is across the table from me, doing something funny with her eyes, when it clicks it…..Joel is a pastor, Joel is a pastor from one of the Denver CRC, Joel probably had something to do with the planning of this service, Cynthia needs to do some major back peddling! I quickly blamed it on the heat of the day and again reinstated that the Denver community had done a bang up job from the stamped postcards, to the baked cookies, to the free haircuts etc. Pastor Joel graciously smiled at me, but I think inside his heart he was saying a prayer of help for me.
Back to the road. We were clicking along at a good speed (around 27-28kms or hour) today. When we got back onto the interstate we encountered a head wind so I tucked in behind Gerry’s back wheel (on the right side) to find a reprieve from the wind. I don’t recall anyone calling out ‘debris’ and this is probably because the wind sucked the words away. I know that when I saw the large black rectangle object in front of my tire I had no choice but to ride over it. I hoped in my heart of hearts that it was a ‘take out’ food container that would crush when I rode over top of it, but such was not the case. I remember trying to control the swaying of my bike and then the thought that I would be taking it to the ditch. After that I remember telling Barb she did not need to call 911. I can still see the face of Sara, the first ‘angel’ on the scene. The accident itself is a blur. You can catch the details on Barb Mellema’s blog dated July 28th and 29th.
The staff at the hospital said the waiting room looked like part of the ‘Tour de France’ Alida, one of the on staff nurses for Sea to Sea stayed with me initially but then she was called away because another cyclists had fallen and broken a rib. Barb came into the emergency room and was there when the doctor confirmed that I had indeed broken my pelvis bone. It seemed surreal because I wasn’t in a lot of physical pain. I’m not sure who took the news harder, my fellow ‘pace line’ cyclists or me. On a lighter note, when the ‘guys’ did make it into the room (one at a time because those are the emergency room rules) I was able to inform them that the brain scan showed ‘normal’ activity, contrary to their opinion. If you do (or have) read Barb’s blog I will say in my defense that morphine is a powerful drug and applying humor in this situation was the only way for me to face the brutal reality that the cycling part of the tour was over for me. I will remember always the struggle of emotions for Pete, Louie, Barb, John, Andy and Gerry as they came into the emergency room and expressed in spoken and unspoken word their concern and as they shared my grief and disappointment with me. The prayers shared were a testimony of the close friendship that has bonded us together in these last 4 weeks.
When I was finally moved into a private room (I needed to stay overnight because of the concussion) Len Riemersma, our Head Chaplin paid me a visit and was present when Paul & Teresa came in. Because of the morphine and my emotional state we decided it was in my best interest to limit visitors. When the orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Keller came in he gave me the good news that the break was clean, not dislocated and that it would take 3 to 4 weeks to heal. He mentioned that since I did not require surgery he would discharge me as soon as I felt strong enough to fly home. Erinn Swett, our GR go between and organizer of all the little details was flying back to GR on a direct flight Tuesday evening. It was decided that if I could cycle up 6 passes I could muster up enough strength (or drugs) to make it on a 2 ½ hr flight. Barb was able to secure a ticket and the hospital was generous enough to allow me to stay in the room till Erinn picked me up. There are too many ‘God moments’ to share with you. Barb has mentioned several on her blog. The staff at Fort Morgan was so accommodating; allowing Barb in past regular visiting hours and taking such good care of me. At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning I heard the familiar tapping of bike shoes on a hard surface. First Paul & Teresa and shortly afterwards the guys and Barb came to say good bye before they headed off for their 138km day. John is on sweep (I was supposed to be with him) so both John and Andy Heimstra stopped in before they left. Bert, with his famous Colorado t-shirt (I wonder what t-shirt he will buy in Nebraska?) also stopped in as well as Ed and Jen. I’ve probably missed a few people (that’s where the drug line comes in handy).
Erinn drove the hour to Denver to switch her rental Mustang for a mini van for my convenience and comfort level. The Denver airport was very accommodating. My wheel chair driver was very much into speed. Poor Erinn was going at a race walk pace trying to keep up in her heeled strappy sandals. Several times we suggested that he slow down, but he assured us that he had been doing this job for 9 years and all was well. I should mention that he was slightly mentally challenged. He was very proud to be escorting me throughout this large airport. On a side note, Al Vander Hart, Development Manager for Sea to Sea had made arrangements for both Ralph & I to stay at his place overnight since our flight landed at 11:30pm. His wonderful wife, Jen drove us to their home, while Al drove Erinn to her destination. I’m pretty certain my head hit the pillow within 10 minutes of being in their home. The next morning Jen had left for work and Al had a breakfast meeting that would occupy him till 9 a.m. so after my shower we had breakfast and then we got up to leave. Ralph almost collided with Al as he came into the kitchen and this is one of those ‘God moments’. We had been prepared to leave but when Al came in along with his guest, Bill Wigboldy (Midwest Regional Director of Children’s Hunger Fund) we shared another cup of coffee and had a wonderful 1 ½ hours of laughter and encouragement. After a shared prayer, Ralph and I left with a renewed, enlighten spirit. Throughout this difficult transition I have been provided with the right people at the right time. God is good.
My family poured out of the house when we arrived home, quick to help. A meal had been lovely prepared by a friend and others have volunteered to also help in this regard.
To my fellow cyclists: I will continue to pray and follow your process thru the blogs. I regret not saying good bye but my prayer is that I will heal quickly and be able to rejoin the tour. The friendships and acts of kindness that I’ve seen demonstrated in the tour both encourage me and humble me. I feel privileged to have belonged to such a group and regret the time that I will not be able to share with you.
To the faithful readers of my blog: My blog has been an extention of who I am. Grammer, sentence structure, spelling are not my forte. In real life, I usually leap before I measure the distance. I try out new recipes for company. I believe it’s easier to seek forgiveness, then it is to get permission. But slowly I’m trying to be more aware of my surroundings. Life does not need to revolve around me, instead I look to the youth, my adult children, my husband, and my extended church family as mentors and I strive to be a better person; a more compassionate individual. I’m humbled by your emails and undeserving of your patronage. Below is a photo my husband took of me on Wednesday evening, just to let you know that I’m really not in that bad of shape.
P.S. I had an appointment with my family doctor today and received some good news. My road rash is 90% healed and when I asked about my limits, he replied, that I could basically do whatever my body allows me to. I do have some water on the knee (still waiting for confirmation from the x-rays that this is indeed what it is), but by all accounts, if I can handle the bike saddle I could be back on the tour within 3 or 4 weeks. I ask for your prayers for the cyclists, the support and SAG drivers. Also pray that if possible I will be allowed to rejoin the tour so that I can continue the task set before me.Sincerely, Cynthia
27 comments:
Amazing story. God really is good in all circumstances. Thanks for willing to share yourself so openly, and I will continue to pray for full healing. To think you may be back on the ride in weeks is remarkable!
Gods healing touch and care is my prayer.
Gerald
Wonderful story and testimony. I have followed numerous blogs and enjoy the humorous and serious notes along the way. You are blessed to have Barb as your wingman(woman?) and if left up to the 2 of you and that determination factor, we'll enjoy your blog in a few short weeks.
Our hope and prayer is for swift healing, a short training session, and back on the pedals.
Hey Cynthia!! Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. It;s wonderful how hopeful you are, and have good cause cause to be. We too will pray that you be able to pick up the tour again.
I will admit that I was a bit taken back by your picture. That's a doozy (or is it doozie) of a shiner you're sporting there.
God the healer be strong with you Cynthia,
Pieter (Joining in Madison - so if you want a ride....)
hi Cindy
My dad rode from Seattle to denver. He is Bill Marble. I was with up in Denver. I pray that you will be quicky recovery.
We have been following your delightful blogs from the very beginning as our daughter is also riding sea to sea.So relieved to hear that although the body is bruised, your spirit remains intact. We pray that God gives you and your family all that you stand in need of and look forward (hopefully)to watching you dip your tire in the Atlantic.
Veel sterkte,
Anne Smienk
I have been following your blog since you left Seattle, Melissa was here during the 4th of July and got me hooked. So sorry to hear about your spill. Hope the healing goes quickly and that God gives you the strength and stamina to carry on. Praying that you will be able to rejoin the tour if you are feeling up to it.
Nancy Eades. (Melissa K's sister)
Hi Cythia,
I am Gerry Kobes daughter and have enjoyed reading your blog. I was sorry to hear about your accident but I am very happy to hear you are on the mend. We live outside Detroit and are planning to meet the group in Grand Rapids and hope that you will be there as well.
God bless you and heal you,
Tawnya Martens
I am glad that you are okay. I have been checking your blog much to often these last days waiting for your return. I guess this means that I will not get to meet you in Madison.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers and I am so glad that you are thinking of rejoining the group.
Much strength!
take care.
Grace
"Strength for today & bright hope for tomorrow. Blessings all yours with 10,000 besides" is our prayer for you in the days ahead. May you have a quick recovery & be able to rejoin the tour in the not-to-distant future.
A regular C2C blog reader in BC
Judi
Hello cynthia,
Thank you so much for the update. You are still the first blog I look at every night, so I'm glad that you've written again. I'm also very happy to hear that you are healing well. I'll continue to pray for your healing and that you might be able to rejoin the tour. Please keep us updated!
Sandi
Cynthia,
We will be praying that you can indeed rejoin the tour as that seems to be possible for you. What an encouraging story to hear all about.
Chuck Henager
Kennewick
Cynthia,
I've been smiling ever since I openned your blog & found that once again the "blogger" was you! Since you were in Kenniwick & I finally was getting more of an idea of how SeatoSea "worked", first you, then Barb, then as many other blogs as I stay awake for have each night become my summer reading! (The books are back on the shelf waiting for September.) Since you often rode with Jerry Kobes (I'm from Yakima)it was good to hear about him too. Most of all, both you & Barb inspire & entertain.
My prayers are being added with the multitude of others for quick healing & a return to the trip!
Blessings to you,
Dianne Emrick Lacy
Cynthia, we are praying for you. We have been since you left our home and we will continue. We know God gives you his strength and has been alive in you all the way. You were a witness here of His great ways, thank you! May you continue to be his strong witness.
I am Theo's mom and have faithfully followed your blog because you are first alphabetically and right above Theo. you have been an ispiration to me and your blog will be sorely missed. You are in my prayers. May God speed your healing.
Betty
I am just feeling led to comment on your blog that I read today. My dad, Hank Zwaanstra and his wife Claire are riding in this amazing bike tour and so I have followed Claires blog faithfully. However, I started clicking on other blogs out of curiosity and interest and you are first on the list so naturally I started with yours. Your blog has been so inspiring as well as entertaining and I feel like I know you just reading about your daily biking experience. You are an amazing testimony to God's goodness and I can not help but think God will be using you in so many ways through this experience. God bless you as you heal and God be with all those that are still out their pounding the pavement!
Kerrie DeVries- Dyer, IN
Hi Cynthia,
Alice and I keep you in our prayers. We always enjoyed your blog. Why don't you keep on writing daily? You're still part of the Sea to Sea Tour. Tell the folks what the great metropolis of Chatham is like. We love hearing your voice. And above all, if you want to rejoin the tour badly enough, you will. It would be nice to see you back on the tour by the time it comes through here in St. Catharines. May God heal you fully.
Bert Witvoet
Many people are praying for you, including us.
James and Marijo Bonner
Hi Cynthia,
So glad to hear from you!
Andy was very distraught when he called from the hospital with the news of your fall. I am very thankful to hear you are doing well. I always read your blog and was happy to see Andy mentioned once in a while. May God be with you and give you a speedy recovery.
I hope to see you in Grand Rapids.
Sending you love Siska
Cynthia,
Thanks for the message you left on my sight. Trust me I know your pain (emotionally at least) Thanks for your prayers and honesty.
FYI Grammer is spelled Grammar. That really made me chuckle out loud. I refer to that sentence as Irony.
Tyler
Dear Cynthia,
My prayers are with you especially at this time for healing. Like others, I read your blog since you are on top of the list. Also read Lou Haveman whom I met when he hiked the Appalachian Trail. May you heal quickly in body and spirit. I hope to meet you in New Jersey.
God's peace.
Pastor Hank
Long Island, NY
Hi Cynthia,
Today I noticed that you had sent a blog and what a long one.It was good to learn how you are coping with your accident. There sure are some great people around that are giving you lots of support. I hope you will get back to the tour in good time and that we will get to see you in New Jersey.
Corrie (sister of George van der Kuur)
Cynthia,
I am the wife of Clare Doornbos. i was reading your blog to Clare on the phone regarding your injury. Clare sends his greeting and wishes you God's speed. He misses you and enjoyed having you on his team. Our prayers are with you.
Jan
Dear Cynthia,
Sad to hear that you fell and had to leave the tour. We are praying that you will heal quickly and be able to rejoin. Thanks for keeping us updated.
Heather WM
(wife of Art Mulder, joining in Grand Rapids)
Hi Cynthia,
Sorry to read about your fall and your resulting leave from the tour! I am praying for your complete recovery. I realize the disappointment must be huge, but the focus for now is for you to recuperate and to redefine your participation. Nobody envisions these things!
You wrote that the right people were there at the right time, and what a blessing, that even with the painful injuries you sustained, the Medical Center in Fort Morgan was so close to the highschool where all of your fellow cyclists and support crew were staying. God is in the details! Interstate 76 is as known a road as all the other ones that have been travelled so far!
But imagine a road with no roadkill, no debris, no goatheads, no staples, wires from shredded tractor trailer tires, ruts, potholes, construction, unwelcome elevations. (I'm getting these descriptors from L. Bosma's blog!)
You arrived in Fort Morgan sooner than anyone else, I read, and definately not according to your planned route and way for the day! But you could have one at a time visits in emergency soon after, and that must've been pretty significant for you, and also for your cycling pals who are continuing on without you.
That's another drag, I'm sure!
Praying for patience (from Barb's blog) as you focus on your time of rehab and getting back into cycling form if that can be the case.
Praying too, that at some point and place further along in your recovery, that you will be able to rejoin your Sea to Sea mates, and dip those wheels into the Atlantic, Mrs Aukema!
"Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
C.S. Lewis
God speed, Cynthia! We are with you! Hoping too, that Teresa has completly rebounded from her altitude sickness! Let's hear it for flat terrains and tail winds!
Much strength from your readers and supporters in Aylmer, St.Thomas and London areas!
Tine
Cynthia:
Hope you're recovering well and are handling the disappointment of not riding. I certainly had fun riding with you--while it lasted--and can't imagine what a let down it must be.
And BTW: don't feel bad--I had a hard time paying attention to the sermon in Denver too.
Joel S.
Hey Cynthia!
I just wanted to let you know I continue to pray for you and your hopes to feel well enough to get back in the saddle. I will be looking for the continued saga and great sense of humor. Tell Ralph I said "HI". It was my pleasure to meet the two of you at Al & Jinny's home. I was at Tinity Christian College tonight and tried to look up Barb - not to be found. I will try again Wed. Morning. God Bless - I see your name come up and I can't help think of the "Rocky" theme song!
It was truly a gift to meet you and I look forward to a time when CHF can help with God's work through your church and other churches in the area. Shoot me an email and let us know how you are doing.
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