Biking endeavor update

I wanted to update you all on my efforts to ride 150 miles as a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Saturday was a beautiful day - all 55 miles of it! Yes, this overweight 51-year-old woman rode 55 miles of hilly countryside, and loved every minute of it. (Except for the numb toes and fingers, but that was only temporary!)

I'm blessed to have caring friends who also love to ride bikes. Together, we put in about 100 miles a week. Next Saturday, we're planning a 68-mile ride and picnic, followed by a 50-mile ride on Labor Day.

For someone from North Texas, every bit of green is another reminder of God's gifts. My functioning body (sometimes questionable mind) is one of His gifts. And that's why I ride - because I can. And most of those with MS cannot.

No one is immune from multiple sclerosis because not enough is known about ever-changing symptoms. It attacks each person in a unique manner, and what part of the body it impacts changes from one day to the next.

I'm blessed - I know (if God's willing) that I'll wake up tomorrow with two working legs and arms. (The brain is always a big if!)

I also know that too many others won't -- like my friend, the late Karen Mumbower, a fabulous woman who left us too soon. The late Paula Salter, who lived as full a life as possible, thanks to strength, devotion and love of those who stood beside her for so many years of illness.

Then there's Lisa, who so far has been able to keep symptoms at bay. The single mom in Clinton who struggles with MS while trying to keep her family together. The children who watch their parent struggle, not knowing what the disease will affect next.

See, I am indeed blessed. I'm healthy. And with your love and support of all of you, we can make a difference.

I'll keep you all posted ... in the meantime, if you want to donate to the MS Society, I won't turn you down!!