Beside my text is the picture of my brother Peter that I carry over my heart on every AIDS ride. Yes, it's the picture of him that was on his memorial card and I chose that over other miscellaneous photos of him, since AIDS took his life and that was the sorrowful reason that I began riding. So, I ride in Peter's memory and to honor his legacy of loving, lifelong learning, courageous journey through his painful path, and oh, so much laughter along the whole way, even through tears.
Peter died on May 11, 1995 - over 14 years ago now; and yet, his loss still feels so new and raw, that the time seems to poke along. While I choose to celebrate Peter Harding's life - his birthdate is October 5th - I cannot ignore altogether the circumstances and experiences of this time 14 years ago. May 11th that year was on a Thursday and I had the very unwelcome task of calling my Mother from Peter's bedside, to gently tell her this sad, sad, sad news. When Mother's Day came that year, my Mother was then with me, in Santa Rosa, CA, where Peter lived and I remember us attending church at the cathedral together, clinging to each other for some comfort in this senseless loss.
Theresa, who began as Peter's hospice nurse, but quickly became a loving friend, was a huge comfort also and we smiled through our tears as we affirmed his strong will and example of not only how to live with AIDS, but he provided the same in his dying. Peter fervently wanted to stay at home in his cozy cottage (he's say "cozy just means 'small', but I love my home!"), and that he did. He was in his own bed, even requesting to hear "Motown", as he loved listening to music constantly; he slipped away peacefully while Marvin Gaye was serenading us with 'How sweet is is to be loved by you"...indeed, Peter, indeed!
Peter's been my road angel - on every ride - for every mile - since 1997 - whether I'm enjoying the whooping/hollering downhills, or tailwinds and also when I'm cursing and groaning on the steep climbs, never-ending mountain passes and icky weather days too...
Tailwinds!
Mary
