My body and mind are exhausted, with just three days left before I head back to college, but I wouldn’t have spent my summer any other way. Over the past 75 days, covering 4,000 miles, traversing 11 states, enduring two crashes, and sharing countless smiles, I’ve fulfilled a dream that once seemed distant after a severe traumatic brain injury.
In these last few weeks, I’ve learned valuable lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. First, I discovered just how kind and welcoming the average person can be across our country. Second, I realized that asking for help is neither embarrassing nor a sign of weakness. Finally, I found that motivation doesn’t always come first—sometimes, simply starting to move forward creates its own momentum and leads to motivation along the way.
I want to extend special thanks to everyone who helped me reach the starting line. To my family, thank you for always standing by my side and supporting all of my endeavors. To the EMS, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists and the LYB communtiy who saved my life and guided me through my recovery, I am forever grateful. To my cycling and Rotory community, your support with gear and motivation was invaluable. And finally, to the wonderful people I met along the way who offered me places to stay and kept me grounded after long days on the road, your kindness made all the difference.
Its time for nap
via Instagram