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Preface: We had been interviewed this particular morning on a local TV station.

Hi Gang!

I had to jump off my bike for ten minutes and write you about something special that happened today, excuse my heavy breathing and the tears in my eyes.

I had to stop in at work to drop some stuff off. And as I was talking to my Nurse manager, I felt a tug on my coat. I look down, and there is a little boy standing there, bald. He was with one of my fellow nurses. He was like 8. He said to me "I saw you on TV yesterday morning." I look at him and say "What were you doing up at 6 in the morning???" He said he was having blood drawn and the TV was on. And the nurses told him I was a nurse with them.

Reality set in a little bit, of course. No one sleeps well in the hospital. It isn't the kind of place you are allowed to, sadly. It was obvious that this little guy had cancer. Doesn't he reach out to shake my hand..... and then he holds my hand in his, and says "Thanks for doing the Ironwoman competition. I asked Make a Wish for a new TV, so when I go home my mom, dad and I can watch it together. Even when I am sick."

I wasn't sure I could hold myself together, but I sure as hell tried. I hugged him and said "You are the real Ironman" And he says "Just don't call me an IronWoman"..

Our job is the easy one. Traveling 140 miles is easy compared to what this kid endures and then he said "Thank your friends too. You should brush your hair the next time you are on TV"

Back to the bike my friends. The miles are easy tonight, the miles feel lucky tonight.

All the best.................

:-) Mary

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