Thinking of You...CAS(E) #29 and Case Study #142

As I mentioned in my previous post, our visit to my family was sheer delight.  We left early Sunday morning, destined for a bike race where we were officials.  My husband held reins as chief official, a position he handles often based on his skill and expertise in the sport, whilst I, along with four others, were designated to follow (we're in cars driven by the race organizer's volunteers) assigned categories of riders.  Often, I follow the women's groups, and feel much like a 'den mother,' herding my little cohort along the road, doing my best to ensure that they're riding safely as well as adhering to the 'rules' of racing. 

Over the several years that I've been an official, 99% of the races are relatively 'uneventful,' meaning that the riders race, a 'minor' crash may occur, but for the most part, everyone makes it to the finish upright, exhausted and typically none the worse for wear.  Other times, there's that .9% where something goes a bit more askew than is normal; perhaps a number of penalities handed out, or maybe some disqualifications - nothing tremendously extraordinary, and typically, more 'bruised egos' than anything else.

And then, there's that .1%, where bad things happen.  Sunday's race, sadly, falls into that realm.  Three riders were injured in two separate incidents, ironically meters apart from one another,  involving competitors from two different categories.  My husband was the 'voice of calm' in the midst of all that unfolded: ambulances, police, the road closure that ensued to accommodate STARS air ambulance's arrival, to transport those injured to the hospital, the decision to stop the race... No one likes to see people hurt; no one especially likes to see people they know, hurt.  In a nutshell, it really wasn't a good day for racing for three people...and their families, their friends, their teammates, and us - the  officials who come to know - and care - about these riders for their passion and dedication to the sport.  Our drive back home, as you can imagine, was clouded by the events of the day, and the 'unknown' of the riders' well-being.

A day's passing reveals that all three are on the mend; one is home, two remain in hospital.  Such news is great to hear, but we know that the healing will be a long process, especially since concussions are involved. My husband and I have talked about little else than the event; have thought about little else.  Preoccupied, indeed - and I suspect we will be for a while yet to come.

Yesterday, I decided to put the 'thinking' into a productive, positive process, all the while sending'good vibes' to the injured while doing so.  My "Thinking of You" card that resulted was inspired by the layout at
CAS(E) this Sketch #29

and the 'emotions evoked' by Maile's gorgeous card at Case Study #142. 

I didn't use a stunning flower, as she did (wish I had one to use...); rather, I was touched by the lightness and delicacy of her images.  I reached for my butterfly die; it just seemed 'right' given the circumstances.

Simple card, packed with a whole bunch of 'well-wishes'...

And, since I don't want to close on a sad note...my nephew said "Aunty" on Saturday!  Woo hooooo!!!!!
Have a wonderful day - and I'm looking forward to plenty of blog-visiting today, to see what day-brightening, smile-making, spirit-lifiting creations you'll be sharing!!