Lessons from the Tree of Life

This old tree, that I call the tree of life, is on the loop I ride in the French Broad Valley in North Carolina. Study it for a minute and you will see the place on the right where the tree was broken and fell about a foot from the ground. No doubt that happened many years ago and it was left to die and disintegrate in the pasture. Instead, the trunk that was so grievously injured has given life and strength to eight limbs. They have grown to great height and fullness.

Every time I cycle by I think of the life events that bring us down and the amazing opportunities we have to grow from them and to achieve unimagined stature because of, not in spite of, the setbacks and losses that occur across our personal and professional lifespan. Failed relationships, job layoffs or changes, illness, unexpected and unfathomable deaths. May this beautiful symbol of nature's redemptive powers remind us that we, too, can be successful opportunists and overcomers.

YouTube Update!

Jack, Katherine's husband, created a storyboard of her trip. Visit the Cycling for Scholarships YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/WOCNcycling to see the creative piece Katherine arrived home to after her long journey.

According to Katherine: Day 55 Recap

We're poised in Palatka after a 73.5-mile ride for tomorrow's 47-mile ride into St. Augustine. It will be quite a parade and a glorious reunion. We'll celebrate as we put our front tire in the Atlantic. Thank you all for your love and support. It has meant the world and made the trip the defining life event that it was.

Welcome to Palatka! Soon we'll be on our way to St. Augustine, FL!

Happy Easter from Katherine!



Enjoying the scenery on a lovely Easter afternoon.



According to Katherine: Who Do You Admire?

One very famous woman has demonstrated two traits throughout her career.

 (source)

Oprah has shown generosity and gratitude and because of her, I’ve worked to strengthen those traits in my own life. The number one lesson I learned from her is that it's not necessary to give big to be big givers.

That lesson has changed my life. I may not be able to reach the $200,000 goal myself, but I can help contribute and inspire others to give whatever they can to support such a great cause.

Oprah impacts millions of viewers, and I hope she would be glad to know I am one of them. She’s become a positive force in my life, and an inspiration. 

Who inspires you?