Aislinn's Treasures- Alexis’ Bike Ride in the Rockies

Aislinn's Treasures- Alexis’ Bike Ride in the Rockies

I crack-up when my mom starts singing "Bicycle Race" by Queen when spring rolls around each year.  It seems to be triggered the moment registration opens for the Courage Classic for Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. 

 

I want to ride my bicycle...bicycle...bicycle!

 

My mama and I joined Summits for Samantha (Summits) this year for the 25^th Annual Courage Classic.    We had so much fun, food, laughter and excitement!  If you are looking for a team that trains, Summits trains pros or amateurs.  If you are looking for support and safety, Summits has it!  If you are looking for adventure, Summits have the best enthusiasts to offer!  If you are looking for a team that has transformed sorrow into beauty, devotion and purpose…Summits for Samantha is the cycling team to join. 

I think we sought the light from Summits for Samantha as much as it desired more riders. This trip would only be me and my mama.  Dad and Nurse Heidi stayed home to care for Aislinn.  The mountains make Aislinn sick.  Stupid seizures!

 

Ssshhhh!  So I have a couple of secrets to share with you.  The night before our ride I was sick to my stomach and my mommy had a migraine.  Roar!  We rode anyway!   Roar!  Nothing was going to stop us from riding!  Kids were depending on us.  My sister Aislinn was cheering for us at home.

Sshhhh!  My mommy worried about me crashing.  I could see it in her eyes.  I did not crash!  I would encourage you to ask my mommy about her meeting the trail with her elbow and helmet.  By the way, thank you fellow rider for fixing her chain! 

 

 

Alan Sirhal, one of our amazing teammates, rode back with us to Copper Mountain after lunch.  It is in his blood to serve and protect.  He encouraged and coached me up the hills even though my legs BURNED!  I will forever think of him as “The Shadow Rider” and I am glad I did not age him this year.   I love my Shadow Rider!

As we headed toward the finish line, David, another one of our awe-inspiring rider, took special care in riding behind me.  I was scared of the passing cars and tired from riding 17 miles!  I do not know his last name but he will forever be known to me as “The Cheerleader Leader”!  I love me Cheerleader Rider!

 

I saved the best for last.  I helped raise over $103,000.00 for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation by selling lemonade and popsicles!  I made a difference for families who need Children’s Hospital by riding on team Summits for Samantha!  I helped fund the Mito Clinic!  Roar!  Giving thanks...

 

 

 

 

Much love,
Michelle D.  Voss-Shelley, APA
(Mom to seven year old Aislinn with a GRIN1 mutation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aislinn's Treasures-A Fortune Teller, Dragon Tears, and More

What a splendid day!  I just never know what is going to happen...especially on a day of such gloriously fun and sky of blue!  I had to get out putting some sunshine back in my life after all of the days spent in the hospital this year my dear friends!  To the Renaissance Festival I will go to be with old souls, jokes from a fool, and friendly beasts...

My mommy is always looking for clues or answers.  Why not get into the spirit of things and talk to a mystical being? I have to say I giggled the whole time she spoke with a fortune teller.  I heard my mommy asking about me and Alexis.  The fortune teller said my time on this Earth is an enchanted vacation full of kind peasants willing and eager to meet my Earthly needs.  I want and need for nothing.  This is a magical day! 

Dear me! I almost forgot to tell you what the fortune teller said about my big sister and my mommy.  My big sister carries great responsibility and heartache.  The heartache will probably begin when I depart this life.  The responsibility she carriers does not weigh her down…it will make her do great things!  My mommy and big sister are both old souls. My mommy is willful, determined, a natural healer, and in need of rest. The fortune teller said my mommy’s calling is to learn and help others.  Sigh, I love my mommy and big sister!

A kind soul gave me her last sparkling crown.  She said she had been searching for me for days on end and all over the land.   I wore her crown with great honor.  My new friend then gave me tears from a dragon for good sleep and dreams.  How did she know I haven't been sleeping well and haunted by nightmares on occasion?  Maybe my new friend carries angel dust in the smudges on her face?  I just know my beautiful new friend smiled big so I could remember her forever!  I love my dragon tears!

             

  

Good fortune continued throughout the day!  Three lads of nobility stopped to talk to me.  They were in awe of my chariot and sparkling crown.  Rich in jewels and humor, we parted ways only to be granted a stone in the same color of my eyes!  This charmed jewel is said to bring me continued wealth, love, and delight!

make way… for a picture with the King and Queen!  I and my big sister lavished ourselves in clothes fit for Princesses.  What…did you not remember my continuous holiday?  A sorcerer and sorceress emerged and joined the picture with mysteriously familiar faces.  In fact, the King and Queen resemble much honored and respected friends of our clan!

With images of fairies, jokers, a sorcerer, a sorceress, dragon tears, jewels, princesses, and noble lads, I drift off to sleep listening to music made by bells…ZZZZzzzzzzz

Much love,

Michelle D. Voss-Shelley, APA (Mom to seven year old Aislinn with a GRIN1 mutation)