Good Day

Had a great ride this morning...knocked out 73 miles at a near race pace and I felt pretty good the entire ride, not just parts of it as in rides before. Maybe I'm getting into some kind of decent shape? Jason did most of the pulls as part of his workout and wasn't putting the hammer on us. I was able to keep up with him pretty easily and bridged up to him whenever he started to gap us. Speeds in the 25-27 mph range were pretty normal on this ride. That's a good sign for the races next weekend in Lafayette! Plus, Jonnene gave me a nice leg massage later in the afternoon. Tomorrow will be an easy ride to work out any soreness.

Yesterday was Mrs. Brakhage's funeral and it was a good one. I was one of the pallbearers and we did a great job...didn't drop her once! Carrying a casket is a bit of work. Those things are heavy and all the bearers have to carry their "load" equally. But the thing is that this is an honor and a privilege, and a form of expression for us to show how much we cared for the person going to their final resting place. We carry them gently and with extreme tenderness, and the weight of the casket does not matter. We will carry it as far as we have to because we want to do this for the family.

It was myself and Kent (friends of the family) and four of the grandsons doing the heavy lifting. The grandsons, including my god-son Eric, were doing this for the first time and I told them that they'll probably get more opportunities as the years go by. Anyway, the service was like a Lutheran church service. Pastor Kunz came over from Bossier to preside, he gave a personal sermon aimed both at the family and at us..."Someday when I, or you, are the Guest of Honor, what do you want people to say about you?"...and spoke glowingly of Mrs. B's life and her legacy. We sang two songs that were her favorites, "I Love to Tell the Story" and "I Know My Redeemer Lives". It was pretty cool. Then we went out to the gravesite and she was rested next to Mr. Brakhage.

I took some time to visit my grandparents who are buried at the same cemetary. Then, after the graveside services were over, Steve, Kent, and I went to visit Steve's sister and mother who are also there. It was nice and reassuring and we told a few stories about Lee Ann, his sister (she was a hoot and so funny...but died of Hogkins Disease). I think she would have enjoyed it...maybe she was laughing with us?

Jonnene did some triathlon training with Bridget this morning while I was out doing my long distance speed fest. I think she'll do fine at the local triathlon on August 3rd. The run will be the big deal as she'll see how her knee does but I'm not expecting any problems. I just hope it isn't too hot.