July 17 - Feeling Welcomed by the Friendly People of Maine
I am so moved and touched by the kindness and generosity of the people of Maine. Wow. It is hard to believe I had convinced myself not too long ago that I would feel so alone as a single person. I have felt so welcomed, not only by my Bunk a Biker hosts in Maine but also by the Central Maine Harley Davidson Dealership that sponsored today’s book signing event as well as by several loyal customers who really took the time to connect with me today. As I was driving my bike to dinner afterwards, escorted by four kind men from the dealership, I reflected on the fact my life is so full of joy.
Today started off with a beautiful and peaceful ride through the backroads of Maine from the small town of Saint Albans to the Central Maine Harley Davidson Dealership in Hermon. Pulling into the dealership, I was struck by how much at home I immediately felt. The structure is very unique as it was first built in the late 1800s and used to house both hay for cows as well as motorcycles for sale. As I walked up to the front doors, I was greeted by hand made signs saying, “Welcome Kathleen.”
Throughout the day I had the honor and privilege of sharing meaningful conversations with a variety of people, all who wanted to explain why it is they connected with me and my story. One remarkable young lady drove up from Delaware on her bike to attend the event and was so positive and encouraging. A mother who recently lost her son in a motorcycle accident came to say hello and to be inspired. A young man in a challenging relationship bought a book to share with his significant other in the hope she will get her endorsement. An enterprising leader of a large motorcycle group shared how he blessed a lady in a nursing home with a ride in his side-car, escorted by 70 other bikes. I also go to meet Donna Wiegle, an amazing woman, author, and cancer survivor who rode across the country on her bike to raise money for ovarian cancer awareness.
From start to end, the owner of the dealership and his wife, Wendell and Jaylyn Sproul, both went out of their way to encourage, inspire, and help me. Jaylyn made sure that everything was ready for me and checked in regularly to see if there was anything I needed. Wendell took the time to tell me how moved he was by my story. After the event, he led me and several other bikers to Anglers of Newport where he treated all of us to an amazing dinner. I was touched that Wendell asked me to have a place of honor right behind him on the ride. It was wonderful to share stories with him and the other bikers while eating fresh fish and homemade onion rings. A good ride, good food, and good company? It really doesn’t get any better than that.
