Every once in awhile one receives something in the mail that is, how can I
put this, well, a surprise (what a gift for words Howard has). I got one
today. Had a California return address on it, looked official, was in an
envelope used for pictures, or, of that size, and had something fluffy
inside. Had some names on it, with a "LLP" after the names. Oh, shit
, I said to myself, I'm getting served again. I just had that feeling even
though I have no idea what LLP stands for. "Lotta Large Problems" came to
mind.
Since no return receipt or anything like that was required, I
wondered. What on earth could possibly be in here? It wasn't ticking
(my first thought), it wasn't liquid and didn't seem to have powder
inside. So, I took a deep breath, held it (my breath), and opened up the
package. Inside was the most God awful shirt I think I have ever
seeen. Flowery print, red, green, yellow, with Spanish
lettering. "Cincuenta Anos (is that Spanish for "ass"?) 50/25 Endurance
Ride. At first I thought it might be an Hawaiian kind of thing, without
the Lay (sp), but it was quite unlike anything tropical I had ever seen, and
living down here in Florida I've seen just about everything related to
"tropical."
Well, I gotta tell ya'll, it was from John H. Parke, ESQ. extraordinaire,
and there was a note attached. I hope I'm not violating any
"lawyer-client-jailbird" privilege here, but it was for my 50th birthday, which
evidently is very close to John's (5 days apart; I'm older but, definitely, not
wiser or more mature). Size Large, which, is my size. Fits like a
glove.
John, I've misplaced your personal email address (I will find it if this
doesn't get to you this way), and, I cannot thank you enough for this
gift. Emotionally, I'm a wreck, always have been, and, I gotta tell ya,
the darn thing made me cry when I put it on. West meets South, or
vice-versa, and, now I know we all have something in common.
God love ya John, don't ever leave this sport. I must admit I was
expecting a T-Shirt that read, "Howard likes it in the rear," when I realized
who it was from but this is something I'll actually wear in public (my
homophobia would not allow me to wear the other). I lost my pride 4 years
ago when I started riding endurance with all these hyper active wimmen who can
all kick my ass when it comes to riding.
Thank you, John. Best gift I received for the BIG 50 and I'll
wear it at Big South Fork every night I'm there next week, thinking of your
kindness and what you've done for this sport that I love more than I should
(seems like I'm not alone). I hope I don't violate any AERC member rules
but I will probably cross-post this to Ridecamp. I just can't help
myself and hope ya'll don't throw me out of the club for this infraction.
This is just too darn cool not to share!
