I would find the answers in the next several days. The letters of encouragement and words of praise for my actions of bike racing came pouring in. I had visits from many new friends and had the special help of my coach and friend Hunter.
A day after my surgery that repaired my upper jaw, I received a package full of papers at my Hospital bedside. They were notes and drawings (in English) from the children of a small school in Turialba where Martin's wife teaches grade school. They were full of love and praise and said things like" you are a champion to finish, you are the king of bikes" and "you have a special strength." I was moved to tears. To inspire the lives of others was not the reason I got into the sport. I got into the sport because of the adventure, challenge and euphoria of going places on two wheels. It was amazing to see the amount of brotherhood the sport of cycling can bring, and the nature of people when there are others in need. That is something special about mountain biking.
Now I know. I know the inspiration of believing in dreams, of fighting for a noble cause, for standing up to doubt and fear and to fight when the going gets tough. Now I have one more reason why my dream is worth the possible hardships.
When the time comes and the training once again gets steep, I will feel great strength remembering the encouragement I've recieved from the kids of Turialba and know they're cheering me on.
Recovering the only way I know how; Fast.
:)
Jeremiah
