I ride for my 4-year-old son, Drake, and his two brothers, Mack and Theo.
Drake was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at just six weeks old. Our world turned upside down, and from that moment on, we lived in survival mode. Today, after coming out on the other side of hell, you would think you could put it all behind you - but you can’t.
It’s complex
The gratitude is real
The impending doom is real
The trauma is real
Survivor’s guilt is real
Life is messy.
From May to December 2021, my wife and I took turns sleeping at the hospital every night, realizing three weeks after his diagnosis that this was going to be a long road. But it took me even longer to let go of the anger. To stop feeling like I had to fight everything/ everyone- everyday. To quit expecting anyone other than my wife to relate. Only when I let go of control over Drake’s future and the loneliness of caring for a baby going through this was I finally able to show up fully for everyone else, including him.
We can and will ride this year for Drake, Mack, Theo and those on the 7th floor who are experiencing a hardship very few experience in their whole life. Some have paid the ultimate price - I cannot imagine.
This is not your lesson
This is not part of “God’s plan” that any other person can suggest
This is you getting through every hour which eventually turns into a second hour and a third hour….
We ride for the casualties, the survivors, the warriors and the caregivers that are there getting through hour by hour.
You are all on my mind every day!