My Thoughts...Aaron

I’m writing this as we are driving, well Mark is driving and I am riding, back to Austin. I have been reflecting on the events of the past week while riding home. While the ride has been long and tiresome, it has been nice to spend these past couple of days with the team. I feel that the past week has been truly life changing and the memories will be something that I carry with me always. The vast range of emotions that I experienced was unlike anything I had ever been subjected to. The honor I felt being a part of the team, the shear exhaustion and physical pain I felt after each day of riding, the incredible respect that I found for so many of my fellow cyclists and EMS family, the sadness and pain that I felt as I watched the families who had lost loved ones at the memorial ceremony receive the white rose and the folded flag. Though there were logistical issues with the ride coordinators which produced frustrations aplenty, I have never before been a part of such a tightly knit group of individuals with a single goal in mind – honoring EMT’s and Paramedics killed in the line of duty. I don’t believe that I could ever put into words how this past week has made me feel, what I have learned or friendships that I have made. One thing that I can describe is how proud I am to be a part of this amazing group of individuals who through their love to serve and help their fellow man in the times of greatest need that comprise this family of heroes we call Emergency Medical Services.

Thank you to my team: Mark, Susan, Cheryl and Tree…you guys are the best! To the friends I made while on the ride, you are all awesome and will always hold a special place in my heart. And to the families whose loved ones were the entire reason for the ride and the ceremony…YOU are my heroes! Your loved ones will never be forgotten…

Aaron