She'll be on every ride with me.

Hi friends, 

My heart is so heavy right now. Last week, my beloved friend Caren passed away after a three-year battle with cancer - her second time fighting the disease. She was my biker mama, badass twin, riding mentor, and beloved friend. I met her ten years ago when I got my 2012 Harley Davidson Switchback. We had the exact same bike.

When I noticed an odd Facebook post last Saturday morning I was moved to reach out to Caren via text for clarification. She asked me to come on over and explained that it was her last day with us. She was opting for her right to death with dignity, a choice that should be accessible to everyone. Leaving her that day was one of the most challenging moments I've ever experienced. I knew it would be my last time with her, seeing and hearing that incredible infectious laugh.

I want to share this because for the last three months I kept telling myself, "I should call Caren and see how she's doing." Unfortunately, little did I know that precious time was passing by quickly.

So here's the deal: don't wait. Please don't wait to call your friends and family and check in on them. Please don't wait to visit them. Please don't wait to tell them how much they mean to you. It can all be gone in an instant.

Caren, I love you, sister. I'll miss you forever. Thank you for being such a great biker mentor. Your vibrancy and laughter will be so missed. And know this: you will be on every ride with me. You have etched a special place in my heart.

I'll leave you with an excerpt from a poem that is especially dear to me. It's one I've unfortunately had to return to again and again in the past few years.

On the Death of The Beloved

by John O’Donohue

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.

To serve the call of courage and love

Until we see your beautiful face again

In that land where there is no more separation,

Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,

And where we will never lose you again.

Take good care of yourself and hold your loved ones close this week.