Perspective is very valuable

While being rather docile waiting for Jeanné to return to full health we were reminded of a moment earlier on the trip. The day we left Cumberland to cross over the eastern continental divide we witnessed something very humbling. 

Mitch and myself rode around a corner onto the scene of a man undergoing CPR while his loving wife calmly cradled his head and peacefully told him how much she loved him. The rescuer on scene acted flawlessly and an ambulance arrived to whisk the man to the hospital. We all talked about the incident and processed it in our own ways. 

We followed up on the incident and were dismayed to hear that the gentleman passed en route to the hospital. We also found out a little history on his situation and were moved by his story.

The couple flew in from California to complete the ride to Pittsburgh because they had learned of he beauty of the route. The man  in his seventies had some health complications previously and was determined to still take on the trip. Upon his passing his wife shared that he said if he passed on a bike ride he would be happy. We were left to wonder if looking forward to the ride possibly bought him some more days on this precious earth. 

Today it is far too common to hear of sad devastating stories. The kind of stories that make the world seem tragic and out of control. This mans passing is without a doubt sad, but it is also in a way very comforting. He died on a beautiful day doing something he loved with a person who had loved him for life. His last few moments were certainly worth sharing for the perspective we gain.