I’ve been pondering what to name my bike.
Evidently when you own bikes that cost more than your first car (or your second, for that matter) and you’re spending hours a week with it, it’s good for it to have a name.
After much consideration, I’ve decided my bike’s name is Maddy.
Here’s why.
My friend Matthew Scheer passed away on his 31st birthday unexpectedly. It was the year 2000, and the night before we had shared a late night instant messaging session with each other (he lived in Tulsa, I lived in Dallas.) It went something like this:
Matt: Hey, you’re on late.
Anne: Yeah, I saw you were on and wanted to say happy birthday because I’m going to be out all day tomorrow.
Matt: So, I got a bike for my birthday. I can’t wait to take it out. When you visit, we’ll have to go for a ride.
Anne: Definitely. But you know I haven’t ridden a bike since I was thirteen.
Matt: You’ll deal with it. Anyway, we’ll chat soon.
Anne: Have a blast on your ride.
The next evening after a very busy day at work, I had multiple messages on my answering machine from friends saying something happened to Matt. They wouldn’t say what. I finally reached Matt’s best friend, Kelly, and I remember standing in the middle of my living room as he said Matt went for his bike ride and had a cardiac arrest and died. The room around me swirled and it was like I had been sucked out of space and time in a weird vacuum. I fell to the floor. I couldn’t believe it.
My friend Matt died riding his bike on June 8, 2000, on his 31st birthday, from an undiagnosed heart condition.
On June 2, 2010, almost ten years to the date of Matt’s death, and shortly after my thirtieth birthday, I’ll be getting on a bike and riding across the country. It’s insane to think that I had a similar heart condition to Matt’s, but fortunately, mine was diagnosed and corrected.
So, in honor of my friend Matt, my bike’s name is Maddy. That was Matt’s nick name and he hated it.
After Matt’s death we learned so much about him. He secretly volunteered at a few places in Tulsa. He had a tattoo nobody knew about. He was an incredible writer. He had the biggest heart. It doesn’t seem fair that it stopped when it did.
I wrote a poem about Matt’s funeral on my flight home, ten years ago.
silhouettes of black pass by and
flowers fragrant overwhelm
the heavy air of sadness for
you?re gone and in this madness
i close my eyes, remember
when we met upon that december
day and now you?re gone
(not far away)
for on another day we?ll see
each other and embrace just
like there was no other time that
had come between now and the minute
when we said our last goodbye
and now i start to cry
standing for one last time
i gaze upon your face and say farewell
until we meet again, my friend
close your eyes so peacefully rest
your hands folded upon your chest
as silhouettes of black pass by and
flowers fragrant overwhelm
So – Matt, I hereby designate my little Bianchi Vigorelli “Maddy” for you.
(I’d break open a bottle of bubbly on it, but I don’t want to have to clean up the glass later.)
—
By the way, on my 30th birthday (which is just around the corner – 2/19!) I’ll have a special way you can contribute to Blood:Water Mission in support of the Ride:Well Tour. Just a heads up…
I love Maddy. A perfect way to honor him and a perfect way to redeem a very sad situation. Love it.
Gail Hyatt?s last blog ..Nothing Is Wasted: The Story Of Tsi
This had me in tears. There is simply nothing that changes perspective like losing someone you love. I am sorry for your loss and I join with you in rejoicing over a life well lived. Ride well.
Rachel?s last blog ..Seven Months Married
Gorgeous poem. Perfect name. What a wonderful way to honor your friend…
Kat?s last blog ..The Key To An Effective Routine: Create The Habit
I share that nickname with him… and I hate it too, haha! This is a great way to honor your friend, Anne. It made me think of the quote from the Sandlot, “heroes are never forgotten, but legends never die.”
Matt Snyder?s last blog ..She had never seen a white person before…
It’s so interesting to think that in all of our lives, when we lose a buddy… as time passes… we knew them when we were different people. We never knew them as the people we have become. It’s almost like they are a time capsule to a moment in our lives.
Not sure if that makes sense…
Evan Blackerby?s last blog ..Why You Should Stop Doing Everything
What a beautiful tribute to your friend.
Kristine McGuire?s last blog ..Live ? Love ? Learn
Wow. What a powerful and tragic story. Thanks for sharing this, Anne.
What a beautiful way to remember Matt.
Blessings on your ride – may you feel God’s pleasure (and remember Matt) as you ride across the States.
Jeff Goins?s last blog ..All Marketers Are… Liars? (or Tell Stories)
Very appropriate…I call my bike Helga, because it reminds me of a Swedish body builder who likes to kick the crap out of my while I try and go up hills.
She just sits there and laughs.
Bikes totally need names. Like ships and cars, only better. ‘Cause bikes are better. Mines Betty. But not for any reason as beautiful as Maddy.
Lex?s last blog ..January in pictures
crap?now I have to name my bike?thanks for spilling a little piece of your HEART.
Great story. I had a couple of bikes in college that were name worthy, but before I settled on one, the both got stolen. Best of luck to your training and the ride! Also, owning a Bianchi is one of my dreams, so I get insanely jealous every time you talk about it!! :)
Sam Mahlstadt?s last blog ..Stay Connected in 2010
Anne,
That was a beautiful tribute to your friend Matt. The poem made me cry, of course. And it made me glad they found your heart issue and it’s being treated! It also made me glad you’re able to participate in Ride Well!
Sweet way to honor him.
Crystal Renaud?s last blog ..Project 365: February 2, 2010
I’m so sorry you lost your friend – so suddenly.
Knowing that story, makes Maddy a really meaningful name for your bike … I like it. I write that with tears in my eyes and I don’t cry easily.
Wow. That brought tears to my eyes. The story about Matt makes me sad, but the story of how you’ve christened your bike after him fills my heart. What a beautiful thing to do in his honor.
Christianne?s last blog ..Noticing God in Everyday Life
Beautiful tribute, Girl.
for pete’s sake..I will come clean up the glass… Bring on the bubbly.
What a great way to keep his memory alive. Surely as you come to the end of your ride and cross whatever finish? line there might be… Matt will be with you.
Beautifully written. :)
I want to write something really deep, but I’m mostly just want to say–my little shih tzu’s name is Maddy!
Amy?s last blog ..Photo Essay:: Here Comes the Sun
Lovely tribute. I’m sure you will ride well in his honor.
Jamie, the Very Worst Missionary?s last blog ..Oh Jeez, She’s Ranting Again…