Several years back I shared with my wife that when I retire it would be fun to buy an RV and go across the country and also ride my bike as we journey from coast to coast. Two years ago she shared with me that one can’t count on their health that far out and that we should do it in two years. This would be a way of celebrating my turning 60 and also be our 30th wedding anniversary year. My initial reaction was “Honey, I can’t just take off work for 6 months while I’m still working” to which she responded “You’ll just have to do it faster.” And so the planning began. Pam has always been the proverbial cheerleader and encourager in my life as well as an excellent travel planner. On September 11th, we left Wichita in our recently purchased RV and headed to Fernandina Beach, Florida. On September 14th I dipped my rear wheel in the Atlantic and began pedaling to San Diego. Yesterday, 2500 miles later on October 23rd, I dipped my front wheel in the Pacific. There is no way I could have taken on this goal without the encouragement of my wife. Pam was the one in command of our RV everyday which is no small task, handling the power, water, sewage hookups and disconnects every day. She planned and mapped out all the routes. This required several deviations due to two different tropical storms and a number of other minor tweaks for various reasons. She cooked our meals, washed my smelly bike kits and kept me fueled and hydrated as I rode each day. She made my life easy…. just get up in the morning, swing my leg over the bike and get pedaling. How many wives would be willing to serve their husband in such a kind and giving way? I am blessed beyond words to express my thankfulness to God for such a great wife. Thank you, Pam, for your love and encouragement and belief in me.
Proverbs 31: 10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Bruce, what a beautiful tribute to your wife. You are indeed a blessed man. Pam, your life and loving support of Bruce and his dream illustrates so well the love and power that a husband and wife can have when both are submitted to Christ and to the same goal. What a beautiful thing you guys have done! We are so proud of you! And we can’t wait to see you and celebrate you when you get back home!
Congratulations on getting this done. Have enjoyed following you through these posts. You make a great team!
Your post reminded me of these verses:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up . . . . . A cord of three strands in not quickly broken. Ecclesiastics 4:9-12
This made me cry, Bruce! You indeed have a gem of a wife, a true servant who meets a need whenever she sees one. What a journey you two have had! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!!
Bravo Bruce for giving credit where credit is due. You both had big tasks to accomplish and you did it well. So many times, reading Pam’s blog, I have marveled at her courage forging ahead into the unknown, driving a HOUSE on the freeway and watching her husband riding on the road protected by Jesus and agreed upon traffic lanes (if the driver is paying attention). Thank you Lord for the protection he covered you with and the blessings of this accomplishment.