Recollecting and Reflecting

• I asked for prayers for safety for all the cyclists. No one was badly injured.
• I asked for prayers for no rain. There was not a drop of rain on any riding or resting day during our 58-day journey.
• I asked for prayers for no head winds. There were significant head winds and cross winds, but they didn't last too long; and they taught us to pedal stronger and trust God for perseverance to ride through them.
• I asked for prayers for no flat tires. There were any number of flat tires among the 16 cyclists and 2 guides. I had 3 and they were all in the parking lot - a convenient time and place to change them.

God’s grace never failed me. He was on time, in time, all the time. The epic bicycle trip from coast to coast, from San Diego to St. Augustine, was akin to two months in a prayer closet! My appreciation for the companionship, devotional and prayer time, and help with tedious tasks provided by my treasured friend, riding companion, and roommate, Marge, grew to dimensions that remain indescribable. Our minds were emptied so we could fully receive; our senses were quickened so we could relish the sweet and tantalizing aromas of the early morning —fresh desert air, manure on the crops, piney woods in East Texas, magnolias, jasmine, and honeysuckle in the South; rejoice in the beauty of every sunrise and swoon over every sunset. We descended into canyons and climbed demanding ascents; we marveled at vast desert vistas, endured bone chilling cold mornings and enervating Southern afternoons; we enjoyed excitement and stood down exhaustion. We saw helpfulness and hospitality in all 8 states; and we savored solitude and spirituality during every day. We experienced encouragement and affirmation from guides and fellow cyclists alike. We learned the importance of gratitude for something as small as a patch of shade from an overhanging branch to cool us when the temperatures soared, for a good shower in a motel room that was old and grubby, for the use of another’s cell phone when our provider’s service failed, for help with the dinner dishes from a pair who could have been resting in their rooms after an arduous day of cycling. We were welcomed by a Methodist congregation in Crawfordville, Fl for Easter Sunday worship and brunch. We formed friendships that will last a lifetime and made memories that will never fade. By every measure the trip was an enormous success. We all completed it. We all loved it and became stronger and more competent than we ever imagined we would be. Thanks to contributions from so many of you, my Cycling for Scholarships initiative has now brought in $213,513.00 and donations are still being made. I miss the simplicity of the road as much as I adore being in my own bed and close to my beloved Jack. I long for the challenge of every riding day as much as I delight in the slower pace of home. A bicycle trip across America is a marvelous metaphor for life. I learned that there is nothing in the world ahead of me that I can't handle - as long as I acknowledge God's sovereignty in it and the dozens of people required to go through it. This I know for certain: there is no such thing as self-sufficiency! Please be assured of my thankfulness for all of you who invested yourselves with prayers, checks and on-line contributions, calls and cards. You were crucial to the completion of a grand and glorious endeavor. I can't wait to see each of you very soon. In HIS service and care, Katherine

According to Katherine: Day 56 Recap

It was easy to fly out of bed at 5:15 for a 6:00 breakfast and 6:45 departure. This was our LAST day. Many emotions were merging and colliding as we loaded luggage and pumped tires for the last time. I had some grapes and a banana for breakfast. Best I could do with all the butterflies.

The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.

The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.

We all gathered here to begin our 7-mile ride with police escort through St. Augustine, over the Bridge of Lions, to Anastasia Beach where our family and friends were waiting. Sixteen women now always bonded in friendship by the extraordinary journey we shared.

And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.

After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.

Marge and I at the finish line!

We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.

Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip.  It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.

If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it!  So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.

I am so grateful to so many.

According to Katherine: Move!

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It saddens me to hear people say they dislike exercise, or even worse: “I hate to exercise.” Moving your body shouldn’t be drudgery! People can experience that natural high from releasing endorphins through a variety of ways: Walking, running, swimming, biking or even doing an exercise DVD.

Let’s not get confused, I’m no Jane Fonda. I’m just an ordinary female trying to be as healthy as possible, to live a longer and more fulfilling life.

Motivation should come from within. People should want to better themselves. Men and women alike would look and feel a lot better if they adhered to the principles introduced in the book Younger Next Year.

I encourage the people around me to get out and move. If you don’t move, you’ll miss out!