May 7, 2009. As in most every battle, courageous warriors fall. This was the case with Hugh, one of the "Knights of the Open Road" who gave me the idea and encouragement to write this blog. He would have loved to have joined us on the journey that is now only 3 weeks away. We spoke of it often. Perhaps in some way he will. Certainly, he will be in our thoughts as we experience the "4 corners adventure".
I had the privilege, and I considered it an honor, to spend time with him once a week or so over the past 6 months as he attended the 6th floor of VGH for blood work. He usually made that trek every few days as his body fought the cancerous cells that were waging war and seeking to destroy the ability of his blood to sustain life. He was sometimes fatigued, nauseated, weak and even a little discouraged as he rode the medical roller coaster (he would have far preferred his BMW "steed"). However, despite these challenges, he never gave up hope, and in doing so outlived the expectations of all this medical advisers. He took some joy in proving them wrong when they estimated that his life would end in a few weeks (but lasted over 6 months past that prognosis).
Hugh was a master at overcoming the hurdles that hampered his every move. He would spend 4 or 5 hours in the morning at the hospital receiving the gift of donated blood, only to "suit up" and appear on television, on a radio talk show, or attend an important meeting with the Attorney General, court officials, high-ranking government officers, or groups of lawyers or judges. But he also seemed never too busy to meet with those who were in need of his encouragement or help. He was never short of ideas, and was always ready to take up a worthy cause. He could not countenance vacating his post, despite its onerous demands and the challenges he faced on virtually every front.
It seems to go without saying that, after knowing him for more than 32 years, I will miss him greatly. He had a brave heart, a big heart, and he shared it with so many people. I, along with many others, are better for having known him, for having been loved by him, for having watched his life express the honor and courage of a real knight.
My friend, Hugh, has ridden on ahead. But even as he does, we are confident that he will keep looking in his rearview mirror for when his fellow Knights come over the brow of the hill for the last time.
Despite the fact that there will only be 2 riders on our 4 corners journey, we will most certainly sense the presence of a 3rd, as we honor his memory by continuing to do what he loved: just riding.