Props to my peeps

My mind continues to be a jumble of thoughts regarding my family's trip to Pasadena and my ride on the DonateLife float in the Tournament of Roses Parade. I continue to want to write about my experience, but there just seems to be too much to say and not enough words available to describe my experience. I think that trying to write about the entire trip is a mistake. There were entirely too many thoughts, feelings and experiences to describe in one writing. I am going to try and break down the different facets of the trip for me.

Yesterday I was thinking about how attached I have become to my fellow riders and floragraph families. I have always described myself as not a people person, so this attachment to others feels strange. I went to a large high school growing up. Cliques were very active and provided an opportunity for students to find others with similar backgrounds, interests and experiences. While it is certainly enriching to meet a wide variety of people, there is comfort in finding your niche, your clique, your peeps. I love my family and my friends are amazing, but I have a shared experience of grief and the gift of donation with this other group. Our common experience binds us and the familiarity provides comfort for me.

Feeling comfortable with and by myself has always served me well. Meeting this group of incredible humans has reminded me that being with others can help in a time of great sorrow. People who have walked the grief and loss road ahead of me are great teachers, amazing support and provide wonderful shoulders when life is too much. I love them all and I hope that when words fail me at how wonderful I think they all are that they can just feel the hugs and warm thoughts I send their way.