At the start of the Big Ride, one of the participants asked me if I would be interested in attending Mass each week. She was pretty sure we could find an opportunity, based on our ride schedule and rest days. At first I was a bit hesitant, not knowing how it would complicate what I thought might be an already complicated schedule. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Not only did it bring a piece of home and familiarity to me, it also brought me peace and comfort. So far the services have been inspirational and fulfilling, and I honestly feel safer, knowing that I am under the blanket of my parent’s daily rosary and my fervent prayers to God to keep the mosquitos at bay.
On July 5, I honored my parent’s sponsorship by riding with their names displayed on my bike. It would also have been my brother Sean’s 49th birthday (he passed away in 1997 – he was only 38 years old). For some reason it was a very emotional day for me, probably brought on by fatigue and possibly some unresolved grief.
When I attended mass the next day, I felt emotionally spent, and though I tried to pass it off as fatigue, I knew that I was going through something that was life changing and transformational. The mass ended and I was still feeling burdened by my feelings, particularly those feelings of grief about my brother’s untimely death.
As I was leaving the church a man passed me carrying a little boy in a baby carrier. The little boy was simply beautiful, wide eyed and smiling. I asked him if I could take their photo – he seemed pleased. As he was posing for the photo I asked him the baby’s name. I was simply floored when he replied “Sean”.
Now I am at the end of the ride. I have attended Sunday services for 7 weeks and have found great peace and comfort in spending time with a community that seems familiar and accepting. Funny, you can walk right in, participate in the Mass and the Eucharist and leave without asking for anything in return. It’s not a bad deal. In return I have received more than I have given, no doubt about it.
My friends Jack, David and Tom visited me when I was overnighting in Rapid City, SD. We went for dinner, took a few photos and hugged goodbye. Before they departed they gave me a rosary – a gift that I will cherish forever. Yesterday, Father McFaddin, from Philadelphia, PA blessed my rosary for me. Tonight I will say the rosary and pray for all of the 36 other bicyclists and 3 support people that have traveled across the US with me. I will pray that their journey will continue and that they will find peace and happiness for the rest of the days of their lives. I would hope that our paths will cross again and for some reason, if they do, I know that we will have a lot to talk about.
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts during this journey. It’s been the trip of a lifetime!
August 8, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Rosie
Best wishes to you as you complete your Big Ride Across America. I am sorry my work schedule did not allow me to come east to welcome you home. I want you to know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. We are all very proud of you. Enjoy every moment tomorrow, as you have achieved a goal that you concentrated on for a long time. All my love and support from your family and sister.
Love you
Maureen
August 9, 2008 at 6:21 am
Hi Rosie,
I just wanted to let you know that you did an amazing thing these past 49 days.
I’m sure it’s going to be tough ending this adventure. I can imagine the emotions that you (as well as everyone else) will be experiencing as you make it into D.C.
Enjoy the rest of your ride and I hope that when you look back on this venture, you will feel very proud of yourself.
Thanks for sharing it through your blogs and pictures.
Give Diana a big hug for me.
Always,
~fe (Diana TW’s friend)