Team 242: Day Six

Day Six: Madison, Wisconsin to Beloit, Wisconsin.  72.64 miles.

We had an excellent team breakfast at La Baguette in Madison (Middleton).  The food was excellent.  I took a seat near the end of our long table so I could have the opportunity to take in all that was happening.  We gained an additional eight or nine or ten (I didn't count) riders so there was much happy noise in the restaurant.

I was not expecting it until later in the day, but Pat and Sue Browne (DBrowne's parents) also arrived for breakfast.  And here's where the day ran both tough and beautiful.

I don't blame anyone for my emotional duality.  This is my own mind, but to think the outside environment (please remember my world is not a vacuum) can't or shouldn't have any affect on it, well, is naive the right word?

The scene in the restaurant was happy.  Baguettes were getting jellied, other foods with French names I can't pronounce were enjoyed, and we were all having a happy time together.  But I also kept thinking none of this would be happening if my friend was still alive.

And that duality ran through the whole day.  I'd find moments of happiness, but then realize those moments were only existing because my friend died.  Since the reality of now is that my friend is gone, I am glad these moments of happiness are happening and that I am able to find them.

I could write more about the happiness of meeting up with the many additional Beloiters a few miles out of town who joined us for the ride into Beloit.  Or the police escort.  Or the after ride gathering at the Alumni House.  Or especially the tree dedication ceremony.

But I'd rather have my friend back.  Is that ok?

Track 11: Modest Mouse - Whenever I Breathe Out, You Breathe In (Positive/Negative).  When you're living your life, well, that's the price you pay.