Thanks For Checking In

 I wanted to take a bit of space here to address something I feel needs to be addressed. Many of you are aware of what happened in early August when my son, Jacob died unexpectedly. Losing a son for reasons unknown is unusual, I know, and this has been something not only hard on me, obviously, but it has been difficult for many of you. Maybe "uncomfortable" is a better way to put this. At any rate, I have been getting questions about how I am doing, and if there is anything someone can do for a person in a situation as I find myself in. Additionally, I need to acknowledge something which has been happening lately as well. First: how I am doing....

There is really no way to tell you how I am other than to state the facts. I miss Jacob.  I struggle at times. Lately I have been encouraged by having days when I don't cry. Sometimes two in a row, but this is rare. I find I am most prone to being sad and feel deep grief when I am alone. So, I try not to be alone. But this isn't always possible. Ironically, I am fine if I am riding a bicycle alone. Mostly..... 

This leads me to my second, and most important point for me today and that is to acknowledge those of you who have taken on the task of being someone who checks in with me on a somewhat regular basis. There are several of you who have been doing this, and let me tell you - it means a LOT to me that you are doing this. I was contacted by phone or via messages by three different people on Saturday, when my wife and daughter were out of town. These folks did not know I was alone, but I needed those calls and messages. Thank you for those. 

It is but one example of how these people, and others, who are sending messages and calls are so encouraging and timely for myself. But I also need to acknowledge others here. You folks who pray, think about me, or will in the future. I "feel" this as well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Yes....it matters. 

Finally, I want to encourage all of you. You may be reading this with a bit of detachment. This maybe seems unreal to you, or so unneeded in your life right now that the significance of a call, text, or prayer are lost on you. Can I encourage you and say you may want to just reach out to someone who has been on your mind?  There is a reason for this, and maybe you will be that person who calls or messages just at the right time. You'll never know unless you take a chance....

And you also never know if you'll be the one, who like me, really needs those encouragements someday. Thank you for reading this. I hope you find some things here to think about and take action on, not for me, necessarily, but for all of us. We need each other. 

Back to more bicycle stuff tomorrow.