Reflections from Marvin and Loretta, 3 weeks later
Brian gave us three weeks to write a summary of our trip for the Web Page. We thought that would be ample time, but we remain overwhelmed with our experiences during the trip and the many conversations with friends and family since our return. Summarizing our three and one-half month adventure proves to be far more than we had anticipated. So for now, we will limit our summary to our thoughts which require the most immediate attention.
Many people during and after the trek expressed surprise that we were able to continue and complete such a venture. Some even accused us of being courageous which to us was an overstatement. However, these conversations of surprise, admiration and encouragement from strangers did contribute to our continuation. One might say, our egos were constantly being nourished, not to mention, challenged. We are grateful for the interest and friendliness shown to us each and every day of our trip.
Words cannot express our gratitude to family and friends who kept in touch, sent words of encouragement and enthusiastic support. The frequent contact with staff and colleagues at Simon Fraser University was extremely comforting when so far away in our alien cycling culture. Their sense of disbelief kept us going.
We complied with our family’s request to keep daily contact. They did not know that such contact probably benefited us more than them. Knowing that each day was important to them created a benign pressure because once we started we couldn’t turn back. We knew the world hadn’t stopped when we spoke to our grandchildren whose own daily experiences took front and center stage in our conversations. The Web Site provided another purpose for daily family contact. For us the Web Site remained a mystery most of the ride and it was not without some trepidation as we wondered how our eldest son was getting back at his parents. The chuckles from others made us suspicious. We are now very grateful for this record as it provides a basis for further reflections on our rich experience.
The ride started out as a means to fulfill a personal goal of simply riding across our country. We wanted to do it, we were not sure why when we started and are no clearer now that we have completed it. But there is something wonderful about a challenge like this and great sense of satisfaction having completed it.
As the ride went on, our sense of commitment to the cause of schizophrenia grew. Perhaps the stories that we heard from the families of persons with the disease did it; perhaps the warmth and gratitude of the people in the various chapters in Ontario and the Maritimes did it; perhaps the interest of strangers along the way did it; perhaps reflecting on our own struggle against winds, rain and hills increased our awareness of personal struggles dealing with a major illness. Whatever it was, we remain convinced of the need to support both socially and financially the persons, families and organizations who live and cope with schizophrenia.
Thanks to those of you who pledged and sent money to the Canadian Society of Schizophrenia or your local chapters. For those who are still planning to, here is the address as a reminder:
Canadian Society of Schizophrenia
75 The Donway West, Suite 814
Don Mills, Ontario
M3C 2E9
For those of you who wish to raise awareness of the disease, we encourage you to send $25.00 to the address below:
Claudette Magre
Friends of Schizophrenia Chapter
79 N. Court Street, Thunder Bay
Ontario. P7A 4T7
She will send you send you a T-shirt, a symbol of our ride, and a $10.00 tax receipt.