I Want To Be Like Her When I Grown Up!

"I thought of that while riding my bicycle."

~ Albert Einstein, 

in reference to the Theory of Relativity

In 2012 she rode her bicycle over 8,000 miles. She rides everywhere, even doing her grocery shopping on a bike, pulling her groceries in a baby trailer she once used to transport her grandchildren. She and her husband have participated in organized rides across many of these United States, riding and camping out along the way in all kinds of weather. And about a dozen years ago they spent a couple of months riding coast to coast, beginning by dipping their bike wheels in the Pacific and ending by dipping them in the Atlantic. She has ridden countless centuries, and once even toughed it out through the Davis Double, a 200 mile bike ride in one day!

Who is this woman? Well, she's my mom. And today she turns 70 years old. She is an amazing woman and I am lucky to have her peddling along ahead of me through life, blazing a trail of possibility and joyful living.

My mom loves to talk about cycling almost as much as she loves to ride a bike. If you ask her about a recent ride, be prepared to sit down and open a beer. You're in for a long story with lots of detail. And while you might not hang on to every word about what gear she was in for which hill, you cannot help but be captivated by her enthusiasm. It's infectious. When she tells you how much she loves to take the downhills super fast, feeling the wind on her face, the thrill of speed, you feel it too. When you listen to her talk, you want what she's got! You want to love something, anything, as much as she loves being on a bike.

Now, my mom's not perfect. It took her three tries to find a husband who could match her energy and enthusiasm. But the third time was definitely a charm. I won't reveal Owen's age, but when it was time for his 50th high school reunion a few years back, he rode his bike to the festivities ... from Oregon to Wisconsin! They are truly a perfect match. She talks. He listens enthusiastically, no matter how many times he's heard a story. And they both ride through life with joy writ large across their faces.

When I turned 50 last year, it didn't scare me. How could I be afraid when I have a role model who shows me every day that opportunities abound, as long as you remain engaged as a full participant in life? My mom is the epitome of the strong independent woman, embracing challenges, living life on her terms. And she can kick my butt on a bike any day. I guess I'd better start peddling, because when I grow up, I want to be like her.

Happy Birthday, Murder!

I'm proud of you.