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Jb2
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 11:36 am: | 
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The lady at the bridge...
Okay if one of the admins want to drop in a photo previously posted here that would be fine with me.
... onto the story.
The day of the crash I was told there was a witness to the accident who was also on a motorcycle. He was stopped at Lost Bridge waiting to make a right hand turn towards Franklin. The wreck happened right in front of him, in fact Dad landed just inches from his bike. We knew this gentleman chased the kid down and tackled him when he tried to leave the scene. The police could not charge him with leaving the scene because he was there when the police arrived. The gentleman gave a statement regarding the crash and it was read in court during the trial. For some reason we never received any other information about the gentleman and we always wondered who he was. Mostly just to thank him for stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing.
Fast forward ten years... we're gathered at the bridge when a lady pulls up in a small SUV and asks if we are honoring the man on the roadside cross. Ferris walked up and replied that indeed we were then called me over. It was her husband who had witnessed the accident.
She was running late for a family reunion/picnic. It was 5:30pm and she was supposed to be there at 4:00pm. She told me that she didn't really want to go but something kept tugging at her to go, even if she was late. She confirmed the statement he gave and filled in some blanks that our family didn't know. He died 1-1/2 years ago of mesothelioma. His name was Fred Strong. The crash weighed heavy on him for years after the incident. He had wanted to meet our family but never got the chance. If I remember her correctly she quit riding after that because he was shook up so bad. He was riding his BMW that fateful day but also owned a Harley.
Our conversation jumped around quite a bit covering a lot topics for the short time we spent talking. She was near tears, as was I so we traded contact information. I'm anxious to complete the circle and welcome her to our family.
Ride Hard & Free Fred Strong. Our family thanks you for being a brother of the ride and a responsible person.
(Message edited by jerry_haughton on June 05, 2012) |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 12:32 pm: |
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Sometimes God isn't interested in being subtle...
Breedlove. Strong. All important parts of the story. |
Fb1
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 02:47 pm: |
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Ride Hard & Free Fred Strong. Our family thanks you for being a brother of the ride and a responsible person.
Amen. |
Jb2
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 03:31 pm: |
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Thanks Ferris.
Reep, Some of the most important parts of the story are what has happened since that day. The Breedloves for sure have played a major part in the days, weeks, months and years following. I've never shied from telling people that I believe God took Dad and gave me Mike & Sue. Now, looking back, I would only change that to say He took Dad and gave "us" Mike and Sue. They have collected a whole lot of family since that day. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 03:42 pm: |
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Amen. I can't speak to God's will regarding death, I don't understand it. Particularly untimely death. I'm not alarmed by this, if God is really God, and I'm cleary not, there *should* be lots of things I don't understand.
But I can speak to God's nature in the midst of all the pain. He is good, he is personal, and he is loving.
The word I kept getting at the bridge this year was "speaking light into darkness"... |
Pdxs3t
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 06:39 pm: |
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Hi all!
Been busy on the home front since getting back from Washington D.C. and all the adventures prior. I managed a few snap shot's from Franklin. Not too many though. Was too busy visiting, laughing and smoking cigars.
JB2, it was soooooo cool to finally meet you. Been a long time coming. And yep, you and I were some of the first PAC/BOG members, which seems so long ago now. Was also a pleasure meeting everyone else. Very cool to be able to the names with faces. Alex, you freaking rock and remind me to never get into a drinking contest with you. I'd be walking on my lips, within an hour.
This once one of the last sights I was able to see on my last day of the adventure I was on with Wade. The sights that were seen, the people I met and the over all trip will remain with me for the rest of my life. And hopefully, the next time I pay a visit, I'll be in the wind on a Spyder RS-S. A long way to go toget there but, where there is a will, there is a way!
PS- If anyone is interested, here is a link to they gallery of mine and Wade's road trip. Its not done yet, still have about 1000 pix to add. Will be an on going project for me over the next several day's.
Road Trip II - Alabama to Washington D.C. |
Denisea
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 07:39 pm: |
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Fast forward ten years... we're gathered at the bridge when a lady pulls up in a small SUV and asks if we are honoring the man on the roadside cross. Ferris walked up and replied that indeed we were then called me over. It was her husband who had witnessed the accident.
words can do no justice.
the right time for the right thing.
can we all hope to be that honorable when we are called upon. I do.
JB2, Mrs. Strong was there at that moment for a reason. I know you will do everything in your power to be sure she is part of the family hence forward.
Twas, certainly, a Memorial time,
D |
Denisea
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 - 07:42 pm: |
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Corso,
Great pix.
Thank you so much for capturing so many great moments!
Hugz,
D |
Fb1
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 - 08:57 am: |
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Great photos, Corso! Thank you!!!
 |
Jb2
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 - 09:55 am: |
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>>> words can do no justice
Well put D.
Corso, Great pics my friend. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 - 12:27 pm: |
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It was great to meet you and Wade Corso. Hope you are at the next thing (whatever it may be and wherever it is ). |
Pdxs3t
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2012 - 11:10 pm: |
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Reepicheep...Was very cool to meet and hang with you. Look forward to the next time, that's for sure! |
Denisea
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2012 - 02:28 am: |
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Alex, Forgot to mention, Sunset looks like a great place to hang for the day.
JB2, Reep, FB -- VTC pix!!!! |
Wolfridgerider
| | Posted on Monday, June 25, 2012 - 09:43 pm: |
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there are some great people here... I just wanted to say thanks... made her cry and I can't thank you enough. |
Jb2
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - 09:43 am: |
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Wolfie, Ferris is the man when it comes to remembering those in a less fortunate situation. His lead on other peoples' causes was what prompted us all to send some good karma to Ma Bueller last year while she was in the fight of her life. When he presented the book to our group this year we were honored to pass on more motorcycle mojo to Judy.
You really should join us one year. |
Wolfridgerider
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - 07:49 pm: |
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Just got on my shorter short list  |
Firemanjim
| | Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2012 - 03:51 pm: |
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WOW. Karma, Jim!
And great pics Mr. Corso.
I'll be there again! |
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