Carl, this one's for you...

Birthday Dinner with my new cricket bat

Years ago, Carl and Gloria Howard and their family were in our ward (church congregation).  Carl was a big man (literally).  He was about 5' 10" or so and weighed about 350 lbs, but I think it was all muscle.  From his actions I could tell Carl loved his family and family history.  It was not uncommon to see him every Sunday in the Family History room doing research on his ancestors.  What I didn't know was his love for cycling, until one day while out riding, Bryan and I caught up with him.  It was a sight to see Carl on his road bike riding on the skinnest tires available (19mm).  He was riding alone, so we rode with him for a ways.  As we were talking, I asked him about his cycling and he said he was riding his age that day.  Carl was about 52 at the time and I was really impressed (I think Bryan and I were out for our regular 25-30 miles).  I rode with Carl several other times that year.  With his big frame, I would easily pass him riding up hills, and he would zoom pass me on the downhills (amazing what mass does).  Carl passed away quite some time ago, but I have never forgot his goal of riding his age on his birthday.  So today, on my 60th birthday, I got up early, hopped on my stationary bike and rode 60km before our 9 am meeting at the church (that's like forever on a stationary bike. I'll have to wait until next year when I can get on a real bike to do the miles).   

Now you might ask, "what does this have to do with India"  Nothing, it's just the ramblings of a "middle-aged" missionary thinking about good times many years ago.  Carl, thanks for the memories...