I’m starting this blog entry backwards today. I’m sitting in the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, CO. Cynthia went down today—and suffered a minor concussion—but it’s hard to tell with Cynthia. (I’m sitting in her room & we’re cracking jokes as I blog for the both of us—the pain meds have kicked in.)She’s getting a sponge bath right now & under the dirt we’re finding more road rash.
More importantly is the fractured pelvis she is suffering with. On the side of the road she was already telling us that her leg hurt. We kept her stable on the side of the road. As I started running back to her I was pulling at my Camel-bak for the cell phone. She was so still laying there that I started to call 911. When she found out I was calling for the ambulance she said she didn’t need one—I told an untruth & said it was for me.
Just as quick as we were calling 911 a car stopped to help—Sara, our angel, is an EMT from Massachusetts on vacation. She stopped to help and took over the phone call with EMS and explained the cuts on her face. She cleaned her face with Teresa’s bandana & water from the water bottles, and told us how to support her leg while asking Cynthia questions to determine mental stability. Shortly, an EMS worker came with a bag, Betsy Fox showed up, (I called her after 911) and then the kitchen truck & gear truck were there.
Len Riemersma, head Chaplin for the ride, just stepped in the room—and she can’t quit cracking jokes. Teresa and Paul Hoekstra also came to give greetings & sympathy. We had a prayer on Cynthia—she’s going to need more of those—it’s extremely tough for her to leave the ride. Paul & Teresa had to leave for sweep team duties & Cynthia informed them that she wasn’t showing up for duty tonight. That was something she said to me in the ER already, “I won’t have to do sweep tonight.â€
Andy De Vries just showed up to offer support. “I’m glad I didn’t take you down with me†she told him. “I wish I could have gone down for you.â€â€”that’s what Andy said back. That’s the kind of friends we’ve made on the tour & that’s part of the reason it’s so tough now.
Dr. Keller just came in to the room—she looked at him & asked “Killer?†& pulled a face at Andy & I. She doesn’t stop…
We were on Interstate 76 and there was garbage on the road, actually they almost looked like Rubbermaid steps that may have been bumped off a camper—we called it out. She missed the first one but nicked the second. I watched it all in my mirror. The minute I heard her give a shout I saw her twist her handlebars and over-correct. I knew then that she was going down.
I was on the tandem with Joel Schreus today. Joel and his wife Jill are living in Denver and he is a Pastor here at one of the CRC’s. I knew Joel from his Sioux Center days—he reminded me that I used to be his ‘guardian’ when he was on bike rides with Sioux County Bike Club. I know that may scare some of you but look how well he turned out!
Cynthia is going home tomorrow with Erinn Swett—please pray for healing, no pain, acceptance, and peace of mind. This is all the time I have to blog tonight. Thanks for your concern & prayers
Side Note—Teresa Hoekstra rode today after many days of altitude sickness. Cynthia was thrilled for Teresa but told her not to hold up any banks with the bandana Teresa was wearing. Little did we know we’d need that bandana to wash gravel out of her face on the side of the Interstate.
Hi Barb … Cynthia is a very dear friend of mine … not only my friend .. but as I tend to call her “My Hero”
when I received word today.. I cannot even express how I felt for her. I prayed that I would find more info on your blog tonight and viola .. you came threw .. bless your heart.
I am glad to hear her sense of humor has remained in tact.
please give her a HUGE hug for me … let her know I am praying for her and I will see her when she arrives home.
as for you… safe travels for the remainder of your journey Barb.
take care
Darlene Van Dellen
Hello Barb:
As a family we are so sad to hear of Cynthia’s misfortune on the road today. Thank you for being there for her. I know that you and she have grown very close on this tour. Your blog has filled in a lot of information for us as no one really knew what happened. We are just so thankful that her life was spared. There have been a number of injuries so far on this bike tour and we pray daily for safety for all the cyclists and staff. God bless Cynthia as she heals and comes to terms with this disappointment. She is a remarkable woman and God will continue to use her to do great things in her life. God bless all of you as you continue the journey.
Shirley Aukema
Hey Barb, i love following along on your journal here. I must admit i skim over it because I read my mom’s first, and you two seem to be so similar that it’s kinda like reading the same blog twice!!
It’s good to hear how she’s doing in the hospital. I can picture her silly facial expressions when she would say “Dr. Killer”, haha!
Thanks for making her journey the adventure it has been. I’ll see you in a few weeks I’m sure.
Barb,
Thanks again, for your detailed and articulate account of what happened to Cynthia yesterday. Thanks for being such a good friend to her. This, and what happened to Tyler remind us of the risks you all are taking for this cause. We pray that God will heal their wounds in all of the ways that they need healing and that they will experience God’s comfort and peace even in this disappointing turn of events.
May God give you courage to continue, safety on the roads ahead, and a renewed joy in the journey. Your lives ARE in his hands. God bless you all.
PS: I wish I could introduce you to a new rider, Rita Beerda, from London, ON. I hope that your paths will cross very soon. margaret
Barb - Sorry to hear about Cynthia’s accident. Oh, to be taken out by a Rubber Maid step stool! I’m sure she wishes she could have passed on that “opportunity”. Up to this point I was really enjoying the story. Memories of Ride the Rockies (we did Granby to Idaho Falls OVER Bethroud)..grasshoppers & you (you’re such a hoot trying to jump off away from them)..and pulling in a line. Prayers for your safety & continued fun.
Karen
Barb,
Thanks for this daily journals of your trip. Your family is praying for you and wishes you safety. Dad and I talk about your travels each day.
Be safe! =) By the way, maybe you could USE the package you get on your birthday! =)
Keeping you all in our prayers, Barb. Thanks so much for your vivid descriptions which are the next best thing to being there ourselves.
I can only imagine how hard it is for Cynthia and others who have had to discontinue the ride. Give Sheryl our greetings and assure her to of our prayers for a safe, blessed time on the ride.
Hi Barb,
i know the hospital in fortMorgan, cause my daughter lives in Brush, and our little 16 month old granddaughter was born there.
We will pry for Cynthia, and for the rest of you out there.
Some of those Drs. names are funny when you think about it.
Hope the rest of the week goes better.
Carleen
It looks like I need to proof read before I send a reply.
We will keep Cynthia and all of you in our PRAYERS.
I hope our weather over here cools off before you get to IA.
Carleen Nyhuis
Barb:
We are continuing to pray for you and the rest of the riders. We pray today went well with all the events of yesterday. Blessings to you. . .we are out in NE this week, but I’m not sure we will connect with your stays, sorry.
Best wishes,
John and Kae
Hi Barb
Thank you soooooo much for the information you have provided regarding Cynthia - Harry is her brother. The information we had to this point was quite sketchy so this sure fills in the questions and holes that we have. We are so thankful that she wasn’t more severely injured. Our hearts are broken for her and for you…we could feel through both of your blogs how closely you have bonded on this tour. I pray that God will provide you with another soul mate to continue on your journey. God bless you!!!
Harry & Marilyn