Today went very well. I want to thank those of you that came to the send-off party/gathering. This really meant a lot to me in preparation of my departure. We had a small crowd but I was excited to see everyone there. I want to thank the two Goldwing Road Riders Association chapters (H & U) for coming out with your Goldwings and giving my moral support. Also, I wanted to thank Cammie, Hannah, and Jeremy for helping Lisa and I setup this morning.
This morning we left at about 11:30ish and I led the group out on our way to Houston's M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center. Patrick & Mary Browning came out to San Antonio from M.D. Anderson to escort me to Houston. Both Patrick & Mary work at M.D. Anderson and Patrick is the President of the "Riders For the Cure" motorcycle group which is also current and former employees of M.D. Anderson. Last year alone I believe Patrick told me that they helped raise $18,000.00 towards the cure for cancer.
By the time we reached Buckee's (famous rest stop in Luling, TX) the last two Goldwing riders headed back because of an up coming storm that was heading to San Antonio. So Patrick, Mary, and I pushed forward to Houston. We did get some rain (enough to put on rain gear) but the combination of rain and gusting winds made the ride a little tense. Nothing like being pushed off the road when it is wet.
We finally arrived at M.D. Anderson at about 4:15pm and were greeted by the clinic security to keep watch over our bikes and also Tee Couch who took us on a tour of the main clinic. I have to tell you, this did not even feel like that hospital feel. It felt like a really nice (not five star but nice) hotel and very calming atmosphere. I was impressed with the decor' and love the big fish aquariums in the main lobby area. I wish I would have take more pictures but was very interested in what Tee and some of the staff were telling me about what is going on at M.D. Anderson. I'm not going to do this justice by trying to remember everything that these folks told me but M.D. Anderson definitely sounded like cutting edge technology in research and patient care. I would recommend to anyone to take a tour of this facility and find out exactly what is going on there.
As I sit here in the Howard Johnson hotel (not overly impressed but a place to lay my head for the night) my thoughts are with people that have been stricken with cancer. I can't help but think just how scared someone feels when having to deal with cancer. I got a little nervous when we went into the pediatric ward of the clinic because as my wife can tell you, I struggle with kids suffering and dying. That is a quick way to get a tear check out of me.
Well, I'm going to cut this short and get ready for bed. Tomorrow, I head towards Louisiana and hopefully, if I can make contact with this other motorcycle group, they will escort me to the Texas/Louisiana border. If not I continue on by myself. I'll post pictures tomorrow as I'm really exhausted right now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Pete, It was and honor and pleasure of Chapter U to ride out with you as you start your personal "cruisin' for a cure!" You inspire us to continue to make a difference through our love of motorcycling and the "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge" of our GWRRA Chapter. "Vaya con Dios," fellow Gold Winger, and remember "Ride Safe and Have Fun" until we see you again!
ReplyDeleteJill and Brad Severe
Chapter Directors
GWRRA Texas Chapter U
San Antonio, TX
Pete, I think about you every time I look at my late Sister-in-law, Ann Covington's picture, with my medal hanging on it from the San Diego Rock-n-Roll marathon. What you are doing is great. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteElma Demory