Reprinted from the October issue of the Region H Newsletter
By Harry and Joan Dollarhide

Let me start out this month with a heartfelt message.  It is such a pleasure to be in the company of so many great people.  We feel that one is deliberately exposed to people and instances and if you truly watch and listen, you will learn and draw strength from those circumstances and people to better help you deal with your own life-plan.  We truly believe that this has happened through our affiliation with GWRRA.

Several Members have shown what it is to endure real pain, beat all the odds and literally decide they were going to not only continue life but to “have” a life.  True grit, true grit!  Another Member endured surgery and months of extensive chemotherapy, etc., while maintaining a positive attitude and her same, unduplicated sense of humor.  Way to go my friend!  Other Members have suffered through surgery and rehab.  Such strength and endurance and still smiling, such a fine example for us all!  We could go on and on about the illnesses, accidents, surgeries and backbones of these ladies and gentlemen, but that’s not everything they’re about.

There’s the food of course.  The “welcome” and “sure, I’ll help you” feelings, at any gathering.  The “I’m here if you need help” attitudes, the “I understand co-rider’s feelings”…or “I understand a rider’s feelings.” It’s all there.  As we said in the beginning, it is a pleasure to be in your company; but most of all, just to be called “friend” by those whom you admire so much is truly a reward.

The folks of GWRRA are a rare breed.  It seems that anytime you need help, support or companionship, one or more is there for you.  When we’re at parties, dinners, nursing homes, picnics or whatever, there’s always someone ready to help, ready to go the extra mile and ready to show their true substance as in “true friends”.