HUMBLED!

Now I have several weeks of “Man stuff” under my belt (no pun intended) I am starting to feel a little more normal. Blood test at the end of the month should confirm my testosterone levels. I think I might be a man again, not sure yet but the new hair growth and acne might be a good sign. Could the cravings for McDonalds fries be an indicator I am going thru puberty again?

The MS 150 http://bikeflc.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_FLC_homepage was completed this weekend and I had the privilege of attending the awards ceremony in addition to the banquet dinner half way thru the ride here in Orlando. My congratulations to the 1200 riders of the event. I was very fortunate to have received a dinner ticket from Roxanne’s team leader at Lockheed.

As I sit at the beautifully set table of Roxanne and my friends I became acutely aware of the commitment that they had to the ride and the cause. Knowing that they had another full day of miles and miles of hills their suffering would not be in vain. I wished I could ride along with them to be just like old times, laughing, sweating, and yes in pain. The thought of sitting and not riding was disheartening for me as I felt out of place almost like the third wheel.

The banquet food was quite pleasant and the company was even better. Just as soon as the libations were done the awards ceremony portion began with awards going to top fund raising teams. There were individuals that raised phenomenal sums in the $20-50,000 range, impressive by any standards. Roxanne was asked to stand as an individual in the category of individuals that raised over $1,000. Clapping with everyone else because I was so proud of her for doing so well I was awestruck at the achievements of the all the riders. While standing she said that she could have never done it without me. I would like to say that I wish it were not because of me…its MS and people that have it much worse than I.

The awards approaching a close the lights were dimmed in the hall and silence was asked for. On each table there were Red glow sticks that we were told to hang on to. The reason for the MS150 was about to be remembered. People with MS in were asked to stand and illuminate a glow stick. In a surreal moment I was ashamed at first as I rose slowly thinking I might be the only one. I looked around as I snapped my stick and saw 5-6 others in the room of over 1,200 some of which were riders in the event. It was asked for spouses, loved ones, and family members that have been touched by MS stand. Roxanne arose and illuminated hers as she stood by my side. Next for anyone with friends to do the same. My table stood and all our friends broke their sticks. I looked at each one of my them and was glad the lights were low so they could not see the tears in my eyes. I was humbled and extremely moved by the whole experience. Thank you friends; Tom, Mike, Mike O, Cathy, Rebecca, Tracie you give me strength! Especially you Tracie.

Testing my theory of McDonalds fries I had quite the experience a few weeks back at one. I was standing in line after a visit to the doctors getting to order from the dollar menu when someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see a small disheveled weathered man holding one dollar in his hand. He very politely asked if I could spare 7 cents to pay the tax on what he was about to order. I informed him that I only had a five-dollar bill but if he could wait I would gladly give him the change he needed. He graciously agreed and told me that everyone else in line ignored him.

As we approached the counter I asked him to stand by my side and place his order first as I would like to pay for it. He was shocked and asked if he could order a one-dollar burger and a hot fudge Sunday. I was happy to oblige and told him to order whatever he wanted. He reached out his hand and embraced mine with a fragile and trembling squeeze.

Our orders filled I asked if he would join me for lunch and sit at my table. I led the way to a comfortable booth that we could sit at. We exchanged greetings and began to eat. While talking I learned of his past and what led him to his current state of life. He informed me of the alcohol abuse that led to his troubles and the loss of his wife of over 45 years. With tears in his eyes he pulled out his wallet and showed me pictures of him standing next to his wife when he was in the army. She was quite attractive and you could tell he was deeply in love with her and missed her terribly.

It was hard to listen to his life’s story without feeling his pain and suffering. Medically he was not a well man however his only concern was for his friends. He asked if it was all right if he could save the other half of his burger to give his friend that was back at his camp. I could only watch as he wrapped the half eaten burger and feel bad for eating all of mine.

Our meals finished he reached out once again to say thank you and ask a very odd question, “Do you believe in God?” I looked in his eyes of pain and Replied “yes I do, why?” He told me I was an angel sent to him to lift his spirits and restore confidence that things were all right. I was overflowing with emotion and felt sick to my stomach at that moment. I felt as though he was mistaken he was here to assure me that things would be OK and I need no more pain.

Life’s chance meetings happen for a reason, I met all my friends for a reason! Thanks for being my friends.

Derek Lee