| Author | Message | ||
     Prior |
This evening, I wrote the final chapter in my Ride Across North America journal. I did not write a whole lot, I did not take a lot of pictures along the way. The words and sights from this trip are etched in my mind, just for me and the angels who rode along. I'm WAY scatter brained right now and dog tired so please bear with me... I left Dubuque Friday morning, pointed my bike East and watched the sun rise. The weather was perfect- sunny and cool. There was no traffic; no construction. I visited with the Wares and the countless friends and family members who came to see Matt for one last time. We had a late dinner at the Wares and just hung out with Mitch, Lori and the boys. After the viewing time was over, in an empty room, I said goodbye to my friend. We went to Missy's house that evening and celebrated Matt's new life the way he would have wanted- toasts to him, lots of stories and Jackyl playing in the background. Saturday I went for a spin in the SS-10 with Timmy, one of Matt's brothers and we headed to Madison Church for Matt's service. It was a full house, a testament to Matt's character and proof of how many he's touched in his short life. There were many family members there, many of Matt's Grand Rapids friends and quite a few of my fraternity brothers. The service was beautiful; the songs were perfect and there were many good words spoken about Matt. The SS-10 lead the funeral procession for Matt, I am sure he is proud. That truck was his most cherished possession, which now belongs to Tim. Matt's final resting place is beautiful and quiet, and has a few new tire marks that were left as a final tribute, just the way Matt would have done it. There were a few tears but overall, smiles of joy knowing that Matt was free, living a new life and he was telling Jesus how he'd run things (Matt is a very smart but stubborn guy). We all met back at the church for some chicken and conversation, and I promised the Wares that I'll be in to visit, we are now family. We got together at Missy's again that night and celebrated the end of our friend's journey on earth and the start of his new one in heaven. This morning, Kevin Razor (another one of our friends that spoke at the service), his wife Rachel and I went to the Red Geranium for one more 'Matt Special'. The stuffed french toast is good as always, and there were a few tears from the wait staff and kitchen knowing that Matt would not be back for another.  The ride home was just as good as the ride out, except for the glorious Chicago traffic. It was good to get out and burn some miles though. And I may have fun the Firebolt out of gas (Deb, you have major good karma coming your way, Thanks!!!) My last journal entry you may ask? I said parts of it at the service. This book is the journal I've kept since starting the trip for Matt. It holds my memories and little things along the way that might be forgotten, but are just too good to let go of... Yesterday I rode up here; tomorrow I will ride back and add my last entry into the journal... Sometimes in life you forget the small things- stuffed french toast, parties for the sake of having a party, the aura of Comerica Park, the first swing of dining room baseball, the smell of grass under the tires of the Metro, acing an exam because it was cake, wearing a grass skirt and mullet just because it is Monday and just knowing that your friend is in a beautiful place. Matt has taught me to appreciate these small things again. So, I close my book on the ride for Matt Ware and will reopen it when I see him in Heaven. Mileage for the weekend: 757.1 and lots of smiles and tears.  Alex (Message edited by awprior on May 14, 2007) | ||
| Ulywife |
Beautiful Alex Get some rest. Kristi | ||
| Rotzaruck |
Real friends can be hard to find but you never lose them even if they go away thanks Alex Ed | ||
| Berry |
Well said Alex Jim A | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
thank you Alex, for so many things, not the least of which was introducing all of us to Matt. ride in peace, Matt Ware. FB&D |
