Being able to let go and step back allows us to see things that we would otherwise miss. And if you allow it, the universe drops hints in your way all the time. Slowly, I’m getting better at letting go and noticing the hints…
So it was an unusual coincidence that I happened to see a FB post by Dana with a couple of snaps of his brother, Chris. And for some reason I decided to read the words.
Chris had died.
It took a while for me to realise that was what the post was about. And as surprise turned to sadness I remembered the good times we had had all those years ago as kids. We lost touch as families do, but luckily I linked up with Dana a few years ago as I started to try to rejuvenate relationships that had faded over the years.
Chris died a few days ago when he crashed through a roundabout on his bike.
It turned out, in another unexpected twist of fate, that he had written a personal post to his friends and family about why he rides, even knowing the danger.
Why?
Because riding is living!
Each of us finds release in different ways – booze, bikes, work, hobbies, meditation, etc – and hopefully we can limit the risks while we continue to experience life. The lesson from Chris is to remember that we all suffer demons and stress and we need space to let them fade. So let’s all take a breath, give those around us a bit of space and enjoy the ride!
Ride on, Chris!
Chris Marlin in his own words:
Dear loved ones,
I want you to know I’m sorry.
I’m sorry for making you worry every time I climb onto my bike. For you worried this could be my last. I want you to know that if that is the case, I’m sorry I left on such short notice. Please know that was never my intention. You may sometimes ask why I would risk my life “just for a ride”? To some people, no answer will be good enough. Others may say things like, “he is careless, selfish or crazy”! And for the rest of you that are undecided, please take a minute to read on.
‘A ride’ is my freedom away from a world turning evil, nagging, a person that’s on our last nerve. “A ride” could have helped you stay another day. “A ride” could have saved an argument, or kept a someone from saying something he or she regrets! “A ride” could be the only time a mom, dad, wife, husband, grandma, grandpa, girlfriend, boyfriend, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend, daughter or brother has during a day to catch his or her breath, to re-energize, to pray for strength to continue on with all the “job titles” a mother or father has in a day!
Last but not least, I love it and everything about it. I love the long roads with the beautiful views! I love the excitement I feel every time I twist the throttle. I love the gas station conversations. I love the out of the blue rides. I love the most the family that’s within the biker community. I just love the ride!
I will finish by saying THANK YOU! Thank you, for supporting me even though you’re not comfortable with it.hank you, for the countless prayers. Thank you for every phone call to make sure the biker down wasn’t me. Thank you for showing your love even when it’s difficult.
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