Maitland-Pictou
Distance: 111.7 km
Elevation: 960 m
“Laughter, joy, and fun are not normally associated with Parkinson’s. Community appears to make it so.” -Ed Johnson
We started our trip in Nova Scotia on Aug 9 in a small village, Gabarus. Following the bumper of a fire truck, the Spinning Wheels Relay team rode into town, loud and clear, with fire siren. Applauds, hugs, tears, laughter, and camera flashes, soon we found ourselves in the fire hall, warmly received by a crowd. This is Roy’s home, Gabarus, a 300 years old fishing village , only one road connecting its 81 residents.
“I’m doing this ride for my friend Lloyd, also for my aunt Diane. ” Diane was diagnosed with parkinson’s 8 years ago in her late 70s. As her symptoms progressed, she was unable to live by herself anymore and moved to a senior house in a town nearby. Holding Diane’s hand, looking at her, Roy got tears in his eyes. I walked up to Diane, she had a big smile on her face, I hugged her, hearing a whisper at my ear, “your smile is precious, don’t ever lose it.”
That afternoon, 78 people came to the fire hall to welcome us, we talked to everyone, visited the lighthouse and neighbors. When we finally got back to Roy’s parents’ house, it was getting dark. Seeing us back, Diane held the walker and stood up, smiling. Hugged us goodbye, she headed home. We learned that Diane insisted on waiting for us to say goodbye despite feeling tired. We were told that she hasn’t smiled for a while, but today, she was lightened by joy.
Every day, people like Diane remind us why we are doing this. We are grateful and hopeful. Thank you Roy, Allister, Sandra and neighbors.
After 9 days, 627 km riding in Nova Scotia, we are lining up at Caribou ferry deck. In an hour, 7 riders will mount onto their bikes and continue their adventures in the third province of this trip, PEI.
