On Wednesday, August 28, I was working with our volunteers as we were setting up for the Produce Distribution event being held that day. I received a text message from Pastor Kirsten that said to call when I had a minute. I could not have imagined what she would tell me and it is hard to even put it here in writing. She told me that Lloyd Sapp (pictured here) had died. Now I need to tell you that Lloyd's health had been declining so when I called her I said, "I have a feeling I know what you are going to tell me but go ahead anyway." What I did not expect was that after she told me that Lloyd had died she said he was killed in a car accident. I literally fell back against the building (as I was outside) and said, "WHAT!?" I may have uttered another word but I will not put that here, just sayin'... Yes, stunned is what I felt, unbelievable and unexpected. Lloyd was gone and I just felt so sad, I did not even know what to do. Then Kirsten asked me to tell the volunteers who knew him, oof, really? Well fast forward to September 28 when a Celebration of Lloyd's life was held. I was honored to share a few words on behalf of our Board of Directors. I was grateful to be present to remember such a wonderful man. After the service ended, and most people had left the sanctuary, myself and another member of the Open Hands Midway Board went up to the place where Lloyd's picture, some memorabilia and the wooden box that held his remains had been placed. We looked at the picture and I put my hand on that box. I said, "It's hard to believe that this is Lloyd in there." Yes, tears were shed, laughs were shared, but there is a hole. I told those who gathered that, "There's a hole in our lives now, a Lloyd sized hole, and that will be hard to replace." I think for our Board of Directors the reality will be when we gather for our next meeting in November and he is not there. I am sure there will be more stories and more tears but we are all better for having had the pleasure of Lloyd among us, just sayin'...
As the summer has now turned to fall, the season for outdoor biking may be winding down. I say that loosely as last year I thought it was over around this time and then we had a very mild winter which allowed me to keep biking until December 30. I keep wondering how much longer I can hit the trails and trust me I will not stop until the snow starts and stays on the ground. Last year I rode 4,802 miles and this year I simply wanted to match that. Well I matched that total on October 16 and I am still riding. Here's to 5,000, just sayin'...
My usual biking partner was unable to ride this year (for reasons that are not my story to share) and I miss him being along very much. Nevertheless I do sort of have someone along, let me explain. When my friend David died in April I had asked his wife if I could have a tangible reminder of him, his Michigan State baseball hat. She said she would love me to have it and so would David. Now every ride I take this year, David comes along. I call this my David-ventures. I always loop the hat onto my handlebars and when I stop for breaks, I take off my helmet and put on his hat, well my hat now. You could say I have my own Guardian Angel along so I am not really alone, just sayin'...
This year I took some actual trips where I loaded my bike and went out of town for a few days. One of my favorites was the Root River Trail. I rode the Lanesboro to Houston section. It was such a beautiful day and the scenery was beyond compare. I will definitely do that ride again. Now you need to know something else about me. I LOVE playgrounds! Incidentally, there are many playgrounds near bike trails. I do not believe one is every too old to stop at a playground. I stopped when time and circumstances allowed where I went on slides, enjoyed swings, played musical chimes, rode a one person tetter-totter (you read that right, who knew there was such a thing but there is in Stacy Minnesota), and a ATV. So the season continues, who knows what is in store, maybe another playground, but hopefully the excitement of riding and reaching 5,000 miles too. As an avid bike rider it was, and is, the most enjoyable thing I can think of to do, just sayin'...
Open Hands Midway is excited to be hosting our 2nd Annual Community Night of Light - Feeding Our Neighbors in Need' event (see article above). Our first year was such a success and those who attended said they thought it very enjoyable and meaningful. We had a beautiful night and while we cannot predict the weather will be the same, we still hope many people will come and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and the sight of the big pine tree being light up. Mark your calendar, dress for the weather and join us at 6:00 pm on Friday, December 6.
Next month, on Thursday, November 21, 2024 to be exact, Open Hands Midway will once again take part in Give to the Max day. This day is all about supporting your favorite charity with a financial contribution to help them do what they do. Please mark your calendar for November 21 and watch our website, Facebook page and this e-newsletter for more information as the day draws near. A special match is being offered by the Paul & Sheila Steiner Charitable Lead Trust. As you plan for this day of giving, know that what you give will be matched. If that does not inspire you to give I do not know what would, just sayin'...
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