Comments on: Focus on the Journey

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 04:52:31 +0000

Thank you for the kind words Brent. Like so many things I seem to come to appreciate them only after they’re gone. I hope I can learn to change that.

I’ll make the trip to say hello to my departed father and see what happens. It’s startling how much time has passed.

By: Brent Gudgeon

Brent Gudgeon — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 02:45:11 +0000

This is a beautiful heartfelt post Steve that many of us can relate to…I certainly can. My Father was kind and my Mother was quite Biopolar at the end so I didn’t have much of a relationship with her or my Father for the last few decades of their lives. My Mother passed first and it gave me time to connect with my Father and I’m thankful for that. Too little too late but I value that time. My parents were wonderful people and when I was a young child my Mother loved me so and I am sure she did even up to the end. I look at similar pictures I have of them with me as a child and remember the wonderful childhood memories and things they did for me and my Brother and I feel what you have written. Bravo…visit and talk a bit to your Dad it is your special personal connection …it will be good. Brent

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 04:46:24 +0000

In reply to Steel.

It’s kind of amazing how the machine you’re on can transform the experience. Maybe it’s like a man with the hammer — everything looks like a nail. A man with a Panigale, every road looks like a racetrack.

I’ve ridden a lot of big bikes and they are nice on the road but it just kills me I can bomb up that cow path…

Good luck with your riding decisions regardless of what they are. We’re all unique and that’s just fine.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 04:43:21 +0000

In reply to Kathy. At best, family is complicated and appreciated more in hindsight. Part of the human condition I suppose. Have a fine weekend and ride safe.

By: Steel

Steel — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 04:24:17 +0000

As is so often the case, Steve, your post really resonated with me. I owned two Vespas (P-Series, a P125X and a P200E) for just over 20 years. The two Vespas were sold over eight years ago, and I now ride a Harley-Davidson (Ultra Limited). Yep, for racking up miles on two wheels, it is hard to beat a Harley.
But, like dom mentioned in his comment, I too am starting to find dissatisfaction in not being able to “take that interesting looking trail”. On the Harley, everything rushes by pretty quickly, but not so quickly that you can’t catch of a glimpse of “the road less traveled”, thus leaving me with a sense of regret at not being able to maneuver the 800+ pound beast well enough to investigate or explore it.
I guess I either need to buy a Ducati Panigale (so I will travel too fast to even realize what I am missing), or go back to a Vespa. And quite honestly, both options are appealing.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:39:57 +0000

Ah, I know that song well. It’s one I like to sing along with, but I always get choked up.

I appreciated my Mom, but she drove me crazy, too. There’s that ambiguous word again, but it’s far too much to explain in a comment. I could have been a better daughter. I need to go visit my Dad again.

I’m glad you’re enjoying the challenge. Now that my busy work week is done, the quality of my posts should improve.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:24:29 +0000

In reply to Kathy.

I think you’re right about the tragedy of not appreciating a parent until they’re gone. And I did appreciate mine but there was so much more I could have done. I can’t help but think of the song by Mike and the Mechanics titled “The Living Years”. The music is sad and melancholy as are the lyrics. Here’s a passage:

When my Father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

I suppose we just need to pay attention.

Thanks for your kind words about the post and for the prompt to do some writing this month!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:18:45 +0000

In reply to BWB (amateriat).

I’ve had wanderlust my whole life and thankfully it’s easily satisfied by a walk around the neighborhood and doesn’t require a trip around the world. I have simple needs….;)

Glad you were able to get out on the scooter for a bit. The Vespa can easily stand up to some time sitting in the rain and snow. They’re tough little beasts.

Be safe!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:08:54 +0000

In reply to Joe. There is a cemetery down the street from where I live and when I pass through on a walk I'm always struck by how peaceful it seems. I remember visiting the grave of my grandmother in Germany with my mother and even though I barely knew her I felt a connection. Not sure what to expect when I visit my father. Thanks for the encouragement to make the trip.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:05:41 +0000

In reply to MotoVentures. Thanks for the kind words about the post. Ride safe!