Doing Something for Dalton...

Ok folks.  I knew I'd end up bringing this topic up at some point soon, but I wasn't exactly sure when.  As I've said, this blog is where I talk about things that are important to me.  They will nearly always revolve around motorcycling, but not today.

Anyone who knows me also knows that my children are the most important things in my world and I'm blessed with three of them.  I hope you've had a chance to meet them at some point along the way.  My youngest is 12 years old and his name is Brandon.  He's my 'rider'.  He loves to go with me any chance he gets.  Last April, I was fortunate enough to get to take a road trip with him as we set out to conquer a few thousand miles and raise awareness of a disease called Cystic Fibrosis.  CF is a genetic disorder that causes the lungs and digestive system to fill with and become clogged by a thick sticky mucus that eventually kills those who have it, generally by respiratory failure. Brandon has it.  Now, when Brandon was diagnosed with the disease at birth, we were told that CF would claim its victim, on average, at 20 years of age.  Now, thanks to the funds raised by organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( www.cff.org )great advancements in medicine and treatments have stretched that mortality rate into the 30's, but that still leaves us with no cure.  They are getting closer, but not there yet.  Some time I'll go into greater detail of what life is like for children (and now adults) with CF, but that's not what this post is about.

All this leads me to the news I got this morning.  I was informed that during the night, CF, the disgusting monster that it is, claimed the life of an 11 year old boy in Lexington named Dalton.

I'd not ever had the privilege of meeting Dalton in person, nor have I been able to meet his parents.  All that I know about him and his family is what I've learned through others.  I do know that Dalton's health has been failing rapidly for some time.  I've been told that Dalton has had to make so many frequent trips to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis (the same place I take Brandon for care) that both of his parents have lost their jobs due to taking time off. 

I heard stories this morning of a frantic mother calling the on-call doctor at the CF center and explaining exactly what was happening to Dalton's poor weak body at that very minute and hearing the words on the other end of the phone, instructions to please do the following, "turn off the machine and hold him tightly.  It's time."



I am a CF parent.  Don't think that as I look into his face that I don't see the face of my 12 year old CF'er.  Dalton was the child of all CF parents.  CF parents are not doctors.  We are not scientists.  We can offer care, but not find cures.  We are all helpless at times like this.  There's nothing left to do for Dalton.  He's safe.  Running, laughing, and breathing easy right now, but his parents are left here on this Earth to pick up the pieces.

I've been told that there are some extremely pressing financial issues that are laying at the feet of Dalton's family.  I want to try to help, but I don't know what all of the specifics are. 

All this leads me down to a super simple request.  The weather in Jackson TN is going to be absolutely gorgeous this weekend.  On Saturday the 14th, while you are out enjoying it, I'd like you to come by the store, 326 Carriage House Drive.  There's going to be a guy that looks like me standing our front serving hot dogs off the grill.  You've seen me do it, and yeah, I'm pretty good at it.  As always, they'll be free.  This time though, there will be a little bucket sitting in front of me.  If you feel so inclined, come by and grab a dog and drop a quarter in it.  Maybe a dollar, or ten, or a hundred.  I don't care how much.  Maybe just a prayer for a broken family over in Lexington that could sure use them right now.

Thanks for considering it at least.

Ride safe and with purpose, and do it with Dalton Wallace on your mind.

A Check-In from the Road

I've waited all winter for the season to arrive, and it's finally here. Road trip time. I've said from the get go, this blog is about life, and most importantly, life on a motorcycle. The nexus of motorcycle life to me, is the road trip, a break away from life. A change of scenery. From time to time, I'll offer these small check ins, glimpses of my experiences on a motorcycle.

This trip is a special one, not just because its the first of the year. This is what we call, "The District Ride". I'm joined, not only by my wife Angie and brothers Tim and Tom, and our friends Randy and Susan Yarber but also by several colleagues in the HD business. We do this ride a couple times a year. Joining us is Joey Rock, my HD district manager, and Bill Graham, our field service rep for Harley. Also on the ride are my great friends and fellow dealers, Shad Zimbro from Black Diamond HD, and Bryan and Carolyn Marsh from HD of Jonesboro. Bryan has led us on a magnificent ride through the mountains and foothills of north Arkansas. We've riden along streams and picturesque vistas and drug our foot pegs as we conquered to twisty corners of these "must ride" roads. We made our way to Eureka Springs and The Basin Park Hotel. I'll try to figure out how to post some pictures.

There's no describing what days like this do to clear the mind. The wind is crisp, the roads challenging, and all of the stresses of my week are but fleeting memories.

Road trips. Serenaded by my sound track. All is right in my world.

See you on the road soon.

Ride safe and with purpose.


SMB