A Grand Season

For almost two weeks now we have been blessed with a beautiful little girl who at this moment is almost eight pounds...Gabriella Juliette "Ella".

As we drove the 800 plus miles to see our little baby, thoughts whirled though my head as I envisioned holding her, smelling her breath, changing her diaper and of course, photographing her. My visions fell short when it came to reality, her small little frame was more than our minds could ever conceive.

Pappy, Dan's new title, held Ella as if she was a priceless jewel, his big hands almost covering her frame. Granamo, that would be "me", held her with great confidence and unhindered prayers and thanks-to-God for her life.

Our son, Kai, insists Gabriella will ride a unicycle before a bike (and I'm sure she will), and new ma-ma, Amber, just sweetly smiles, her eyes full of love for her husband and new daughter. What a picture of love, joy, peace...contentment.

Yeah, it's a grand season...and the hard part is being so far away...but to help ease my pain and re-focus I'm going to put myself to a challenge, 200 miles on my bike in seven days.

I know that's now much for most athletes, especially athletes in Flagstaff, but for me it'll be a challenge because I'll be including some tougher rides in the mix, a 60 miler to Calistoga, Atlas Peak and Mt. Veeder...it'll be fun and I'll take along my best Friend, Jesus, and my long-time companion, my old Nikon D-70 and together, well...we'll have a grand time.