Broken

When I did the AIDS Ride from SF to LA, I was amazed at how much my body could do, that I had no idea was possible until I actually did it. I was amazed at the triumph of other riders -- one guy had NO LEGS and pedaled a special bike with his arms. Another blind rider rode in tandem with his wife. When I struggled up 10-mile hills, I was inspired by some really heavy riders, also struggling up the hills.

And so, I guess at some point, I'll look back on this era and be inspired by my flailing about. I keep thinking it's all too much to bear, but bear it I do. Not gracefully and without complaint, but I'm still here. I'm learning new meanings/nuances for "broken." I used to think of it as shattered shards as a result of a big impact. Now I'm understanding how broken can happen over time, like erosion, or slow crushing weight, or pieces just falling away like old paint. It will be interesting to see what the end result turns out to be.