Ripples

Dear Andy

I just caught up with the blog again. What a beautiful post from Grace.

I had wanted to write some of the stories that you didn't get to hear but she has told her own so well.

At the dinner, she asked more about the fundraising. I told her what I'd read about the plans for Noah's Ark including cancer wards, bright walls, a happy atmosphere for children and accommodation for parents.

She told me then about her mother and that a dear friend of hers has a child suffering from cancer in the Albuquerque hospital. They are so grateful that there is a place nearby where they can stay.

And here is Crow's story. You might remember that Dean Johnson brought a friend to the Taos breakfast.

Just before he left the party, Dean found out that we were serving breakfast and he asked if there was room for 2 more. Of course. I learned then that Crow is from Florida near where you'll end your ride. He is an ex marine and recently his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. His wife was from Taos so Crow carried their ashes, on foot, refusing all rides, along the same route you're taking (or very close to). Dean found him, invited him to stay and employed him at the Plaza store. Dean felt in some way that it would be very special if Crow could come to the breakfast and share, in some way, in what you are doing.

So it seems to me that when you get way out of your comfort zone and take on the type of challenge that you have all undertaken, there is a very big ripple affect and so many lives are touched.

And here's a correction for Gareth. The New Mexicans didn't like your singing at all. WE LOVED IT!!

And whose Lance? (Just kidding). He may ride faster but as a man he'd have a hell of a job catching any one of you!

With love and hugs to all,
Marilyn