I don’t know how to drive ride a motorcycle.
I suppose I need to learn. Soon.
I made a very important promise to a supremely important man.
When my Dad was very first diagnosed with cancer, he had a dream of riding his motorcycle to all 50 state capitals. We traveled together for his inaugural ride to Austin, and over the years a few states were checked off his list. Dad always put my needs ahead of his own and eventually sold his motorcycle to pay for my wedding. He passed away November of 2018, but before his passing I promised I would learn to ride a motorcycle and scatter his ashes in all 50 states. I gave him my word.
Now I am left in the wreckage of my grief, his bucket list items unchecked, and a life partially unlived. He had plans. In the things he left for me I found a map of the United States with all his stops plotted out. I found his travel journal with one entry and his motorcycle vest. He loved life. He was a foodie and loved new experiences. My Dad never met a stranger. It was as if people healed him. We had Daddy Daughter Dates Nights every Tuesday for almost 20 years and every week was an adventure. So it’s not just the 50 capitals I’m after. I’m after living life like he did. Enjoying great food, staying in unique places, and discovering hidden gems along the way.
So come with me. As I grieve. As I honor a man, a life, and a promise. Come with me as I try to answer the unanswerable questions of grief.Why him? Why me? Why now?What next? When does it get better? How do I fix myself?
I might not find those answers. In fact, I probably won’t. But I might find closure in trying. When I stop at exciting new restaurants, the food might heal my body. The people I meet might heal my mind. And the wind in my hair? That just might heal my soul. But even if it doesn’t, it’ll be an awesome ride and nothing less than an adventure trying.