It's been on my mind a lot lately about Fred coming home and getting back to all of the things he loves. He has already stated that he is going to want to get right back on his bike, and lamenting the fact that how did he get so hurt doing something not that extreme. I have to battle with my protective instincts and know that he will need to get back on his bike and be active because that is who he is, and it makes him the man I love.
I didn't know Fred when he was in an avalanche on Engineer Mountain in 1995, but I was in Durango and remember hearing about it. I know that he got back within a year and climbed that same mountain again. I think it was one of the things that really drew me to him in the beginning, knowing he could come back from something like that and not let fear run his life. Some of you know, but he proposed to me on Engineer Mountain, on Memorial Day, two days after he did the citizens ride with me for Iron Horse. He could have raced it, but he spent the day with me struggling up the passes, and two days later he made me climb to the top of Engineer to propose. I had no idea and didn't feel up for going to the top, but he talked me into it and surprised me up top!
I have no doubt that Fred will make a full recovery, no matter how long it takes. I also have such a strong feeling that no matter how hard this experience can be right now, day to day, we will come out of it stronger and see it as a blessing.
I know Fred will get back on his bike, play the guitar, climb mountains, be an active member of both Durango Fire and Rescue and Search and Rescue, work hard in his career, be a wonderful father and husband and do whatever new things he chooses to pick up in his life.
Fred is not one to sit around. We have gone on vacations where I am perfectly happy to sit on the beach in the sun, but he pushes me to do things like scuba diving, exploring and stay active. I had to laugh as he was just starting to wake up and be himself; things that would have annoyed me in the past, made me overjoyed to see my Fred still kicking.
No one is perfect, but when it comes down to the core, Fred has an amazing heart. He has given himself to so many things, and I have seen that come back as the number of people that want to help. Fred has taught me so many things over the years, but I have always admired his desire help others and his passions in life. I can't wait for the many more lessons I get to learn from him.
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Your brought tears to my eyes, Jenna. And you are so right. He won't be stopped, nor should he be. It was always hard for me to keep quiet about some of the "dangerous" things he did, but I knew that I had to let him be himself. I am sure that his sense of responsibility to his family will temper his actions somewhat in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartfelt post, Jenna...I feel the admiration you have for Fred. Looks like you got a good one...Take care, Cathy
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