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During the first full week of August, I take part in Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country (also called CaNDAK).
I’ve been riding long distances for several years now. While I pedal down the highways and byways of Western North Dakota, I witness the beautiful handiwork of our Creator. I soak in the beauty of nature and enjoy the sounds of the earth, the colors of the sky, the trees, and the fields. This is a perfect time to have nice long visits with the Lord. I thank God for my safety, for the weather, for my ability.
The ride always falls on the anniversary of the death of my best friend, Diane. Breast cancer took her life on Aug. 8, 2007. One Aug. 8, I was pedaling up uphill around the Missouri River. At the top of that hill, I felt arms embracing me. I knew that Diane was there whispering, “Love you dearly my friend.” Every Aug. 8, I feel as if I’m riding my bike alongside God and my friend Diane.
This message is excerpted from “Pedaling to remember the life of a friend” by Lisa Plorin from the August 20, 2020, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
Friends are Forever even when we can no longer see them.