Riding' High

You know as our children were growing up, Sammy would always tell me, I wanna grow up with our kids. So he said, we had to stay up with the times. Now earlier in our marriage and with two kids at that time we couldn't afford very much, esp toys. I remember always wanting Nikki and Beth to have one of those lil red cozy coop cars but we couldn't afford it if we wanted to eat. Not even Santa could bring that! However when they were seniors in high school they got a real one. As times got better and we added more kids we started adding more toys. Of course somethings I was always against like; a  go-cart or a trampoline. I was afraid they might wrap around a tree or break something. Lord, don't mention that to Nikki or Beth cause to this day that's a sore subject. Anyway, Sammy always wanted us all to have a bike, so as the the kids grew the bikes got bigger too. I can remember us all riding around in the middle school parking lot on weekends cause there wasn't a lot of traffic. I really can remember us all riding as a" family" but as the kids got older they wouldn't wanna be caught doing that, wouldn't be Cool with your parents.(I'd been a nervous wreck anyway) but we all had bikes.

Last year Sammy got on this "Health Kick" so he started riding his bike again. He would get him a big water bottle and put that bike on the back of his jeep and go somewhere and ride and ride and ride.Y'all know he loved music, so he ordered him a little radio, two little speakers and a bag ( to hold all this) that would strap on his handle bars and he had music where ever he went. I'm more of the stationary bike kind with a tv in front of me and maybe some chocolate.

A month or two before Sammy passed away, he told some of the guys at church about him riding his bike for exercise. They all got to talking about how they needed to get up and moving, so they wanted to join him. He was so excited and talked all the way home for church about finding places for them to ride. He even wanted to give his bike club a name.We batted around some names, of course this was just getting started so we never got to name it. However "Holly Rollers" was one of the names and I'm gonna blame that on Sammy.lol!!!!!

Later on our church ( Mt. Evergreen) was thinking of ways to raise money for the Backpack ministry. They thought it would be neat to have a bike ride for a fun raiser, he was all about helping kids and this really tugged at his heart. However, God tugged at his heart and called him home before any of this took place.

Nikki, Beth and I are so touched that the bike ride is still on cause this meant so much to him. I know Sammy will be riding high in heaven ( maybe on a bicycle built for three) and he will be smiling down on us all on Sept.15th at 8:00 in the Mineral Springs park .Its a10 mile route through town. Children who participates will be allowed to ride around the park only and there will be prizes for them. Trophy for over all male and female top finishers will be awarded.

If you would like to ride and give to a great cause.... we would love for you to join us.

The fee is $25, you'll get a t-shirt, snacks, and water.
                             or
If you just want a t-shirt, its $25
                             or
If you wanna make a donation, that would be great too.

Go to 1st Annual Sammy Darwin Memorial Bicycle Ride and see where to register and  order that "fine and dandy" t-shirt.

Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for all our friends who are working so hard to make this a success. Bless our lil and big riders and may they know any way they look at it their gonna come out miles ahead and truly blessed. Amen