MidlifeMotor
Member
I went to a graduation party this weekend and was introduced to a former USAF Fighter Pilot. In a nut shell, here's his story. He rode motorcycles when he was younger, then put them aside due to marriage, career etc. As time went by, he began to think about riding again. Life's circumstances kept him from getting a bike, mostly the stuff all of us deal with. Then came the day his life really changed--he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Now he was under the gun, he knew he only had a small window of opportunity. He immediately bought a Harley, whichever model was his dream bike. He rode all over, solo to Canada and all over the Southwest USA. He was diagnosed in 2005 and was able to ride up until last year. His doctor eventually told him it was time to stop, his disease progressed too far to ride safely.
He told me the story outside as we stood by my Super T. He was able to throw his leg over my bike and sit on it for a while. I told him my story how I had never ridden a motorcycle until two years ago, inspired by my friend who died of cancer. He smiled as he told his story, and said something I will never forget. He said, "It's good you are riding because you want to, I waited until I had to." Here's a man who had flown fighter jets for a living, and now had difficulty walking. He was not bitter, or angry, at least he didn't show it. But his words to "not wait until you have no choice" rang true to me.
We all have responsibilities and obligations. But sometimes we take time for granted, until we can hear the clock ticking. If you are sitting on the fence about that long trip, or that certain something you have been dreaming about, make it happen. Make it a priority, like Larry was forced to do. Thanks Larry, I won't forget what you said.
He told me the story outside as we stood by my Super T. He was able to throw his leg over my bike and sit on it for a while. I told him my story how I had never ridden a motorcycle until two years ago, inspired by my friend who died of cancer. He smiled as he told his story, and said something I will never forget. He said, "It's good you are riding because you want to, I waited until I had to." Here's a man who had flown fighter jets for a living, and now had difficulty walking. He was not bitter, or angry, at least he didn't show it. But his words to "not wait until you have no choice" rang true to me.
We all have responsibilities and obligations. But sometimes we take time for granted, until we can hear the clock ticking. If you are sitting on the fence about that long trip, or that certain something you have been dreaming about, make it happen. Make it a priority, like Larry was forced to do. Thanks Larry, I won't forget what you said.
