Thanks gents for the condolences. And as one of you stated, every once in a while, this place does become more than just a Super Tenere forum.
If you will oblige me, I wouldn't mind putting a face to a name, just to fill in a gap that might be in your mind's eye.
Brenda was an RN, when I met her. In fact, she was MY nurse when I was Life Flight'ed to Herman Hospital in 1981. And as they say it in the movies, it LITERALLY was Love at first sight!
(For me, mind you. Not Brenda. She rejected my advances, kindly, for many weeks)
Over the next 33 years, she spent the last 27 at The Heart Institute at St. Luke's, where Doctor Cooley pioneered the Heart Transplants in the early 60's?
For years, she would win the annual "Go Western" day dress contest at St. Luke's, in one category or another. Thus we got free tickets to the Rodeo whether I wanted to go or not.
This is her winning shot for "boots" recently.
I literally lived in Brenda's wake. She was FEARLESS and would make life altering decisions in a moment. This is a picture, not too long ago, of our children and us. I think you can surmise that our kids were all adopted. I am NOT exaggerating when I tell you Brenda would just say "yes" when asked, and then inform me that I had become a dad. Again. She knew better than to "ask", because I would have been far to insecure to yes.
James is to my left. Brenda brought him home at 14 months old. He just graduated in December with his Agricultural degree. And he doesn't owe a dime in student loans. Football and other scholarships!
Jacob to my right. He barged into our life at 4 years old. What a hoot this one is! I've learned more about life from Jacob than any one person has ever taught me. Mostly he has taught me that I can not impose my will on him. LOL
Brittany, our daughter, was literally dropped off in our driveway at 5 years old. The most precocious human being on planet earth. NEVER met a stranger, that one. A walking talking 120 watt light bulb.
And yes, she made me a grandpa. And just like her mother, she didn't ask first.
And finally, since this IS a motorcycle forum, this is just moments after we pulled into a stop on the side of The Great Ocean Highway in Australia. We had no idea how much fun we were going to have over the next 48 hours. Brenda is a bird watcher fanatic. This place, The Kookaburra Lodge, was simply stunning. She could barely catch her breath as she coaxed parrots to eat from her hand and she gazed up at trees full of Cockatoos. A slice a heaven for that woman. As for me? I was riding 2-up across the most amazing country on an amazing motorcycle, meeting amazing folks, and eating amazing food. Are you kidding? I was in Adventure HEAVEN.
I told you I am a very blessed man.
Still
