So...it's bye to the Harley

[New normal]

"it's a soft tail deluxe with screamin' eagle pipes," the Harley salesman said. As I was seated on the saddle, with both hands on the bars, I looked at my husband, grinned mischievously, and said, "well, THAT WOULD BE ME!!"

Love at first site, and with turquoise and lavendar butterflies and roses professionally added to the fenders, plus an inscription of "Life is Good" on its tail, "my bike" and I became one --

That was close to ten years ago when my husband and I were redefining our lives after raising five children, building a business, and surviving many joys and tragedies together -- the good life of near retirement was to begin.

We have had magical moments on the hi ways and byways -- through the valleys of the Northwest, the beautiful mountains of Montana--knowing we were blessed to have good health and an even better marriage. Life indeed was good.

Last July 4, at 64 yrs old, I rode the Oregon coast. Today I spend most of my time in bed, take loads of calcium and magnesium, and 1200 mg gabapentin a day plus Valium to tame tremors that have taken control.

My story has been told in former posts. While I have suspected MS for over thirty years, having episodes that required MRI'S about every 5 years...I am still not diagnosed...but I don't need the label. "tagging" it won't do me a lot of good...too old for the new drugs...last neuro said probable MS, tremor specialist sd not yet confirmed...yet cannot explain my rapid decline in 8 months.

The kaleidoscope of symptoms I hv hd for 6 months have decreased, but the fatigue and tremors/shakes are relentless.....and worsening to include facial tremors and seizure like activity. Cog/fog is worsening.

So with a healthy reality check, I realize that "shift happens" and there needs to be a parting of the ways for me and my passion....

But WAIT, there's more....so as I am in my usual,sleepy stupor recounting all the reasons why I love my bike...I had a FLASH -- not pins and needles kind... A REAL FLASH OF BRILLIANCE!!

HELLO to a bright blue Quad ATV with electric steering!-- and perhaps some roses and butterflies. I got a smile from DH when i told him my plan...and said I want a bright jump suit with flames.....maybe Evil Knieval type....

I sneaked my husband's quad out of the barn today, and roared up our county road waving to the neighbors out in their gardens...just a little test of my dream...exhilarating experience....while it lasted...

I am back in bed, legs trembling from the experience, my heart beating fast from the brief adrenaline rush...with the thought that maybe my passionate days of riding are NOT completely over...

Thanks for letting me share with you....as I drift off to sleep wondering if I can get a four wheeled machine with "screaming eagle pipes" ....may never happen...but as I say good-bye to the past, I just GOTTA have a dream for the future.....