MEMORIAL RIDE FOR MARIDEE

I knew from the beginning that I would do a memorial ride for our Maridee. I didn’t know if any one would join me but was very prepared to ride alone, or with Susan if she would join me.

We would honor Maridee.

I put out the word to the Rainbow Riders and lo! Twelve (12) riders joined me at Legion park in Arlington to begin our ride.

They had responded with a resounding ‘yes we will join the Maridee memorial ride you are planning’. The only reason I was slightly surprised is that I know Kristin will be planning one in Seattle, and though I was not interested in riding in Seattle, I thought perhaps many others would be so I might be riding this one alone. No, indeed they would join me, and perhaps later, do Kristin’s ride as well.

This looked like a perfect backdrop for a group photo.

All 12 riders gathered here, and a passerby offered to take our photo.

We each shared a little story about Maridee and reminisced about her energy and character building as one of us.

Our goal: ride the Centennial Trail north to the Nakashima barn, a ride we have all done many times, and have picnic lunch, stopping along the way to regroup, look over the river and enjoy each other.

Looks like I had something to talk over with Kristin.

I took this next photo to show Susan’s Travoy that she pulled bulging with all she needed to bring along: soft ice chest filled with a fresh cut watermelon strapped onto the outside, and other treats inside. Also the 7 folding chairs of different configurations were inside it as well.

Two others, who were unable to join the ride, met us for the picnic lunch and Vickie, arriving early by car, chose the only shaded spot wth a picnic table. BTW – it was a very warm/hot sunny day! Here we are with all descriptions of seating arrangements — picnic bench, folding chairs, lawn chairs, blankets, towels and table cloths. Fourteen of us had a most supportive and love filled time here together with more stories and memories of Maridee.

This was a day that would help us along the way to our healing from the loss of our dear dear friend Maridee. I know we will have more sharing times with each other as we continue to work our way through deep grief. Being together for this day was so needed by each of us. And I thank each one for joining the day.