Reflections

From Chick:

As I look back on all the events, grief, healing and growth I’ve been through,  particularly in the last three years since I met Alice, I can see how that instant connection and my immediate declaration that I wanted to participate on her 50-state motorcycle ride and be a part of her mission around healing set me on a very specific path in order to prepare for Chick & Alice Adventure’s.

If I reflect back further, I can also see how my life journey up until that meeting was preparing me to be ready for the opportunity when it showed up.  The life choices I made, good or not so good, all provided me the opportunity to learn and grow.  It’s been stated by many that I have a “free spirit.”  I agree.  I’ve always been reaching for more…more anything, constrained only  by my naivety and the societal norms of my generation.

My initial foray into adulthood was not pretty or the norm by any stretch of the imagination.

Pregnant at 16, dropped out of high school the beginning of my senior year, married at 17, another baby.

Ran for my life from marriage at 19, 3+ years basically homeless, drinking daily, using men in order to drink and survive.

By the time I was 23 I had run out of options, wasn’t afraid of dying, but afraid of continuing to live every day like that and a connection with a recovering alcoholic led me into AA.

My personal and spiritual growth journey started on that day.  In the twelve step program I found not only a way to not drink, but the principles that would guide my growth through the years.  I think my “free spirit” went to work for me there, too.  Remember, I’m always reaching for more and in this case I got more.

After walking away from my second abusive marriage and through therapy, I discovered that I always have a choice about what I will participate in.  And, then comes the accountability.  Examining my choices and learning my lessons took me through an incredible life journey for the next 40+ years.  A loving partner for the rest of his life, a successful career, friendships, tears and laughter, reconnection with my boys, and walking through the tough times with as much grace and dignity as I could muster.

In my mid-60’s, retired, loving who I am and having a blast with my husband, I was still reaching for more…more growth.  We had discussed our spiritual beliefs many times over the years and at this stage of my life, I could see how my belief’s had been shaped, how they had evolved over the years, and I was really questioning what I actually believe in now.  My mind was open and I was searching.  Then I ran smack dab into Alice.  Not only did I get the opportunity to do the two most important things I still wanted to do in my life (taking off on my motorcycle and ride till I’m done riding, and work with others, particularly survivors of abuse), I gained a “kindred spirit” as a close friend.  She became an “End of Life Doula” for my husband and me.  She walked with me and guided me through my recovery from surgeries and broken bones, narcotics addiction, the death of my son from alcoholism and the death of my husband from Alzheimer’s.  My own personal version of hell.

But, the 69-year old woman on this side of that hell is now ready for Chick & Alice Adventure’s.  I have the strength and the conviction to run with my free spirit, doing my part to make a difference in this world, walking beside an amazing young woman I would be proud to call “my daughter.”

I’m proud of who I am today, honored to be a part of Chick & Alice, and so excited to continue on the adventures we’ve already started.

Love and Peace,

Chick