Happy (would have been) 76th birthday, Dad!

 

Boy, did you love riding— from your 1st mini-bike that we've all heard the stories of (numerous times, haha), to the bikes you rode as young couples, to your fascination with the Indian brand, to your online hunt for the perfect next bike, to your most recent trike— riding was your favorite hobby, and one you shared with mom.

 

I can picture this quote coming out of your mouth, "A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.” Us kids have always been so proud of you both that you'd hit the open road with a few places in mind, and figure it out as you rode. They say, “Young riders pick a destination and go, Old riders pick a direction and go.” This seemed true for you & Mom, and the spontaneity is what you both loved about the bike-- that you could hop on, take it only a few miles away for a burger, or pack up the grill and ride for hours, pulling over to have a picnic in a new town alongside a river you never met.

 

The grandkids loved that you rode too. Paige & Pennie would often use "my grandparents are biker babes" when they'd play the game Two Truths & a Lie, and loved revealing that fact was one of their truths!

Your cross-country trips over the years were so inspiring. You'd study the map and plan out your routes to see our country's gorgeous national parks, the most majestic mountain ranges, coasts, lakes, ravines, natural wonders and wide-open spaces. You'd set your mind on a place you had to see and you'd made it happen. Pretty sure I got my adventurous spirit from you, Dad. I am a lover of novelty & I too enjoy the planning as much as the trip.

 

Mom shared about the day before the accident when you two were on one of your frequent Saturday bike outings and you asked if she wanted to pull over to check out a picturesque roadside produce stand, and she told you it was ok, you could keep going... but you knew the sort of things she liked, so you turned the bike around and pulled over so she could get some fresh & famous Michigan strawberries. She was gonna make strawberry jam on Monday. Sunday you took the bike to "Barn Church" you'd call it and then out for ice cream at Fantasy Twirl with friends. It was a beautiful summer night on your drive home when the accident happened.

 

Dad, your love for riding was such that you would have rather been a rider for a minute than a spectator for a lifetime. As much of a tragedy that this accident has been for our family, one thing everyone who knew you can agree on is that you left this life doing something you absolutely craved & loved, with the best biker babe you could have been gifted right by your side.

 

Dad, I remember you joking that you hoped you didn't have to play a harp in heaven, and I can't picture you are. I do hope you're riding the golden streets today at full throttle with a full tank of gas.

 

Happy 76th birthday, Dad. We miss you! Katie