It has been a while since I’ve posted any new product reviews on this blog so I thought I’d give you a quick explanation. Our oldest son is 35 years old and was born with multiple birth defects. Our hope and dream has always been that someday he might be able to live on his own (and that’s what he wants as well). Unfortunately, recently he has experienced some serious health issues and we now realize that this particular dream will probably never happen. While he has come a long way from where he started, he still has a lot of physical hurdles in front of him and will have to live with us for the rest of his life.
While I have several reasons for trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, our son is definitely at the top of the list! The quickest way to bring either my wife or myself to tears is to ask what is going to happen to our son when we are gone. We both try to stay as healthy as possible so that we can put off finding out the answer to that question as long as possible.
As our son is recovering from his most recent setback I am going to stop writing for a little while, but in the words of General Douglas MacArthur, “I shall return!” See you soon!
tischcaylor
September 5, 2014 at 6:22 PM
Sorry to hear but glad to see you’ve got a positive attitude about such a tough situation. We have a child whose ability to ever fully leave the nest remains uncertain, so this hits close to home. Best of luck, and hope you’re able to find time for some riding, whether or not we are privileged to hear about it.
Wayne
September 5, 2014 at 6:28 PM
Ditto. We have a daughter who may be with us ’til the bitter/sweet end. All the best with your riding and know that many folks, including myself, have benefited from you sharing your abundant cycling knowledge here.
Joy
September 5, 2014 at 6:29 PM
I’m so sorry to hear this. I will keep your son and family in my prayers. We will be here when you return. Take care.
billgncs
September 5, 2014 at 6:39 PM
God speed, we’ll keep your family in our prayers!
Joboo
September 5, 2014 at 6:54 PM
Gods speed!!
Nothing more important than family!!
Hope all works out for the best!!
Peace
Chatter Master
September 5, 2014 at 7:40 PM
We will be here while you take care of your family. God bless you all.
elisariva
September 5, 2014 at 8:18 PM
Thank you for sharing about your son. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Your strength goes far beyond the bicycle!
Steve
September 5, 2014 at 8:24 PM
What a fantastic attitude – small wonder your son has made it so far with his challenges! You and your family will be in our prayers. Keep cycling, stay healthy, and we’ll see you soon in the blogosphere.
simon682
September 5, 2014 at 8:59 PM
Sincere best wishes to you and your family.
sedge808
September 5, 2014 at 9:05 PM
sorry to hear it.
all the best.
bgddyjim
September 5, 2014 at 9:06 PM
Take care my friend, be here when you get back. I can’t even imagine your troubles.
unsportywomencanrun
September 5, 2014 at 10:02 PM
Big hugs to you and your wife. You have always come across to me as a kind family sort of man and now from this post I know it to be true xxx the world needs more of you.
Sue Slaght
September 6, 2014 at 12:05 AM
Thank you for sharing this personal challenge with us. I am sending positive energy to you and know you and your family will be in my thoughts.
brendaintheboro
September 6, 2014 at 1:15 AM
Having 2 sons with difficulties, still living with us, I can well understand. Hope you can still get out to ride even if you aren’t able to blog.best wishes to you all
Elaine @ foodbod
September 6, 2014 at 1:17 AM
I’m so sorry to read this, I hope that your son recovers and that you all find a peaceful path forward x keep riding that bike!
FCM
September 6, 2014 at 3:35 AM
Thank you for all your posts. I’ve learned much and enjoyed them all. Sorry to hear of your son. I’ll pray for him and your family.
Jill
September 6, 2014 at 4:40 AM
You son and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ATdF
September 6, 2014 at 5:32 AM
…and as my grandmother always said: kopf hoch!
The Pretend Triathlete
September 6, 2014 at 7:34 AM
God bless you and your family. I have a lot of respect for your commitment and devotion to your son.
Sandra
September 6, 2014 at 9:12 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your personal story. We miss you, but most of us would agree that family comes first. I am sorry for his struggles, life just doesn’t seem fair, but we all have your back. Hugs from across the miles. Focus on you and your family. We will wait for you here. 🙂
runnershealth
September 6, 2014 at 9:17 AM
I am so sorry to hear this..
I admire your attitude and perseverance, and I hope that your son’s recent problem will be quickly overcome.
All the best to you and your family!
happytrigirl
September 6, 2014 at 9:51 AM
While I will miss your posts, I always believe family comes first. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you!
livenowandzen
September 6, 2014 at 5:37 PM
Keeping your family in my thoughts! Be healthy.
Arnold Bradford
September 6, 2014 at 6:34 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’ll keep the cranks turning over until you return.
christov10
September 7, 2014 at 6:36 AM
I’ll be thinking about you guys. In my seven or eight years working as a vocational evaluator for a government agency, I learned that few people are exempt from the effects of disability, as well as something of the pain and difficulty families endure. Love endures. Love is real. Hang in there, man.
Jasmine
September 7, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Very sorry to hear about your son. As a woman who grew up without my Dad it warms my heart to hear you express your love for him through your words. I hope things change for the better, and see you when you return.
DummyDiva
September 7, 2014 at 5:46 PM
My prayers for you and yours……….
Karen
September 7, 2014 at 7:19 PM
Family is the first priority, always….sounds like he is blessed with wonderful parents. I hope he is doing better soon.
Marion
September 8, 2014 at 7:27 AM
Sorry to hear this, I will be praying for you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Kandy Johnson
September 8, 2014 at 8:13 AM
So sorry to hear about your son. Your right Family comes first. I will be praying for you and your family through this very difficult time.
Dickson
September 8, 2014 at 8:36 AM
Best wishes to you and your family.
an uncommon girl
September 8, 2014 at 11:13 AM
prayers for strength and comfort
thehomeschoolingdoctor
September 8, 2014 at 9:57 PM
Been thinking about you! Will continue to do so even more now–and also your son and wife. Take good care.
Gwen Stephens
September 25, 2014 at 6:09 AM
Family first. All the best.
bgddyjim
October 16, 2014 at 6:21 PM
Just stopped by to say hi. Hope all is well my friend. Know you’re well thought of.
bob
November 14, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Good luck man, miss your posts!
Jeff Jacobsen
November 20, 2014 at 4:06 PM
May the grace of the Lord be with you all always. Prayers go out to your son, you and your family.
jeffjacobsen
November 20, 2014 at 4:07 PM
May the grace of the Lord be with you, your son and family.
Jean
December 7, 2014 at 7:28 AM
Hope you and wife find a solution. Stay healthy in mind and body.
Naturally Fit
December 29, 2014 at 6:50 PM
Been missing your posts so I popped on by and saw this last message. Wishing you a fabulous end of 2014 and an amazing 2015. May you find the support and love you and your family desire at your finger tips. Your blog has been an inspiration for a lot of us out here….hope to read another post from you one day soon!
Eric
January 7, 2015 at 10:30 AM
How are things going? I hope all is well with you and your family.
All Seasons Cyclist
January 7, 2015 at 8:28 PM
Eric, my son is improving—thanks mainly to a new service dog (a Hearing Ear dog). It has changed his life! Hope to be back to writing in a few months! Ride safely.
Eric
January 9, 2015 at 3:23 PM
I’m glad things are looking brighter.
Thanks. You too.
Eric
Nancy Loderick
February 19, 2015 at 3:08 PM
Take care my friend. Sending you lots of positive and healing thoughts across the miles!
Nancy