The Journey Begins

Friday, April 4, 2008, I hear the little yell from Steph who is all of 5 feet from me. "Mo, Mo, the Tour is open Mo! The Tour is open! Hurry and register, they have limited space! Hurry Mo, Hurry!"
Woohooo! Sweet music to my ears. The day I have been waiting for since last year. Last year was the very first Tour DaVita that took place through the Appalachians on the East Coast. Last year, when I found out about the Tour, although I wanted to do the ride, I was not physically or mentally prepared yet. The Tour is 4 days of riding, approx 240 miles, raising awareness for kidney disease and funds for The Kidney TRUST. So, since then, I have been looking forward to this year.
Alas, the time came Friday. I officially became a registered rider for Tour DaVita. This year, the ride begins in London, WI which is outside Madison, WI, about 1 1/2 hours from home. Over 4 days, the route goes North/NE, skirts through Green Bay, and finishes past Sturgeon Bay, WI. I know, for all you Bears fans, I will be sure to have something showing my Bears loyalty while riding through cheese country. Although I am a loyal 'Skins fan, I am a secondary Bears fan.

Why is this a huge deal?
For those of you who do not know me, I was in a car accident 3 1/2 years ago, my second day after moving to IL. While I could have let this traumatic event destroy me, I instead decided to learn from it and redevelop myself. I once was very active, whether outdoors or at the gym. This was by far the hardest thing to swallow, the activity level being slowed down in order to allow myself to heal. Now, I am working with a Personal Trainer, who is helping me regain my strength, endurance, and flexibility by challenging me every session. Of course, I could not have gotten to this point had I not found the best MT and Chiropractor. Most certainly, two people on my life list.
This has been by far the most interesting and enlightening journey the last 3 1/2 years. I am very fortunate to have met the best the alternative medical community has to offer. Through them, through my healing journey, I have learned a lesson that I am truly passionate about. It truly hit me when I was watching McConaughey give an interview with Oprah. This was shortly after the accident. I was feeling very sorry for myself when that sweet Texas man uttered the phrase in his sexy drawl..."Just Keep Livin'. You gotta just keep livin life no matter what." So true my friends and readers. Sometimes it takes a life altering event to truly understand how to just keep livin.
Now, I am in school studying to be a Massage Therapist, to give back what I have received. Where the education journey ends, I have no idea. Anything is possible and within reach. For now, I am working my way towards this major ride of my life. This will be a truly rewarding experience. Not only because I am raising money for a truly worthy cause, but because I am taking this as another life learning experience. Another journey towards self discovery. Another opportunity to give to others...to just keep livin'