Summer 2002...

  Time‘s up! Summer is over. Baseball is closing and football has arrived. Yea Patriots! Because I don’t really understand time I think it is important to spend it well. BWAH did just that on our last ride on the final day of summer. It was a rare Maine day. We not only enjoyed the pleasure of being together, meeting new people and having a pretty ride, we did something worth while for our September child, Stephen. Nearly 40 bikes left the gathering in Kennebunk and made the trek to Biddeford.

Stephen’s Day.

   Stephen is 12 years old and I would describe him as quiet lad. The past year has not been easy because Stephen was diagnosed with cancer in November. He has spent the year with both physical and emotional pain. It has not taken away the infectious grin that seems to be his trademark, nor the shine from his (forgive me Stephen) beautiful green eyes. His mother, Norma, who has the same lovely eyes not only had to deal with Stephen’s problems, but she suffered a heart attack in the middle of his trauma. These two are survivors, not victims, and it shows. They both told me very enthusiastically about Stephen’s dream of a trip to Disney Land that was granted by The Make a Wish Foundation. It seems they both are roller coaster enthusiasts, and that was the highlight of their visit. They rode all of them!

Vas, we're laughing with you...

 We did not have a clown or a magician this month so, Vas confided to me in strict confidence that he was going to tell a few fish jokes, (as Stephen is an avid fishing enthusiast), to provide some levity at the start of the visit. I suspect the secrecy was to prevent any of us from stocking up on rotten tomatoes. Vas even got a few laughs, but not necessarily at the punch lines. Later Stephen agreed that the jokes were pretty bad, but he softened the judgment with that infectious grin of his. We have to give Vas credit for bravery, if nothing else.

The Day’s Activities.

  Dennis Whall gave Stephen his gift bag. We like to welcome a newcomer to BWAH by having them read and present the certificate of honor to our chosen child. Tim Nemet filled the bill on that score for September. Karen, and a second Tim, were with Tim Nemet and were welcomed into the group.
   Stephen was joined by family members on his Parade Ride. His grandmother, Mildred, with some ambivalence agreed to join him, but she seemed to enjoy every minute of it. His brother, Brian, also took part. About 28 bikes paraded to honor Stephen.
   The September group seemed especially joyful. Perhaps because we were in such a small area of intown Biddeford the mood of the group seemed closer. Of course, it could have been because of the fish jokes at the start the visit!

Activities to Come.

  Be sure to be available for the October Ride on the second Sunday of the month. This winds up the season with another special child, but it also ends with the annual BWAH Bash at the Washington Hose Company’s FireHouse. All our children and the bikers will gather to end the year in style. Those wonderful firemen provide the end of year feast. The festivities include food, fun and fire truck rides for the children.
   If the weather is not appropriate for a safe ride the ride will be postponed, but the BWAH Bash will take place at the Firehouse as planned.
   Come join us!