Today’s ride from Clewiston to Ft Myers was one that all the cyclists were anticipating. Sure we knew it would be a tough cycling day, but the team was really excited for our first friendship visit at Special Pops in Cape Coral. The anticipation certainly made the ride go by quickly as we raced to our lunch arrival. Once at lunch, we jumped in and broke bread with our new friends who were also anticipating our arrival. Getting to know people who have such an amazing outlook on life and the people who work with them on a daily basis was the highlight of the day… maybe topped by singing “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain and dancing with our new friends who knew every word along with a choreographed dance.
This was many of the guys first time interacting in depth with people who live with mental and physical disabilities. Bottom line… it’s not any different than interacting with coworkers, family, or friends. All people just want to feel loved and appreciated and I pray our time effort today accomplished that goal.
Chris Kiker (Mercer University)