Great Cats! I just drafted a letter to Mrs. Obama! Thought I would capatilize on her announcement to tackle childhood obesity with the launch of the “Let’s Move” campaign. Please provide comments and suggestions. Exciting stuff!
Dear Mrs. Obama,
Thank you for being a champion of wellness for America’s future. I’m writing to ask you to consider involvement in my family’s effort to promote this cause.
In April, my husband, my children (ages four and two), and I will embark on a bike trip across America to raise awareness for family engagement, health, and environmental issues.
We’re creating partnerships to further joint causes through this creative medium. Many caring individuals bike across the country to raise money and awareness for an established cause like M.S. or breast cancer. Our straightforward decision to raise awareness for family engagement and health isn’t as tangible or conventional as other bikers’, but we feel that it will be incredibly impactful, since our message will be authentic, directed, and demonstrated through our family ride.
Is there an avenue through which the government, administration, or first family might like to participate in this endeavor? We are inviting sponsorships, partnerships, and the participation of riders and families. We would love to have you along for the ride.
Please consider joining us in this epic adventure, which is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen families and communities across the nation, bring timely awareness to critical issues, and to inspire healthy solutions for America’s youth.
The “end of the world†ice storm hasn’t actually hit yet, so after the kids and I finished dinner, I decided we needed milk and I needed a ride. We bundled up and grabbed our favorite toys and loaded up in the bike trailer. Actually, someone had to pedal the bike, and Jane picked me. So I tucked them in with a big fleece blanket, secured our bike helmets, turned on all of the flashing lights, and off we went. Riding in the crisp winter air at night is one of my favorite experiences. It is invigorating and makes you feel alive. It always seems so quiet and peaceful and your senses feel more acute. “Railroad tracks†yells Jane…followed by a “choooo choooo†from Brady as we bump across through Southern Hills and around the lake. “Let’s go fishing, Dad?†asks Brady. “Not tonight buddyâ€â€¦.â€OK, Daddyâ€. We made good time to the grocery store and had our loot stashed in our race car shopping cart in quick order. We zoomed around the store a couple of times to see how fast that race car was, then loaded back up and pedaled the two and a half miles home….and in the morning, hopefully we get to play in the snow.
Earl and Judy are friends of Elaine, Stuart’s mom. Earl sent Elaine this note the other day after visiting our website. (I added a little punctuation, Earl. Hope you don’t mind that I share it here. It taught me a lot, and I thought others might enjoy the read.)
“Hi, WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!!! I wish I had the guts to do that, It certainly sounds like something which would make an indelible impression on your life and create memories which will be with you forever. It does sound crazy, but why should you live your life without doing something which you would live the rest of your life regretting that you never did. Thinking back over my life, I have regrets of things which I have had opportunities which I never pursued because I was to conservative and listened to people who thought they had better insights than I.
“They sound like they have thought this out and have it well planned. OF Course there are dangers, but isn’t life full of what ifs and regrets for things which we have done and for things which we haven’t. What a great time to bond with your children and maybe instill in them something that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
“Life is not just about doing the mundane and never venturing out on a limb. Maybe that’s where I am, full of regrets and becoming an old man who looks back to much.
“Longfellow said it thusly in the “Psalm of Life”: “Trust no future however pleasant, Let the dead past bury is dead, Act, Act in the living present, Heart within and God overhead.”
“Put them in Gods hands and as the hymn writer wrote: “Be not dismayed whatever betide. God will take care of you.”
“What more can we do? The prayer of a righteous man availed much, I may not be all that righteous but they will be in our prayers, and so will you.”
Earl
Skye generously helped set this up tonight, and he brought us frozen meat. Thanks, Skye. You’re a real champion gentleman (see how I didn’t mention the meat was a re-gift?). Thanks to all the friends who have helped us travel this far.
