This summer I will be riding to honor the life and spirit of:
Greg L. Williams (5/19/52-2/3/2002)
Greg was my biological father, though I didn't learn of his existence until I was already an adult and I never had the pleasure of meeting him face to face in this life. In fact, it wasn't until July of last year that I learned anything about him beyond his name and a handful of details from 30+ years ago. Through the miracle of modern science (a dna test) and technology (the internet) I was able to connect with his widow, Cameron Macdonald, and start to form a vivid picture of who this man was who occupies such an important spot in my family tree.
And now, through the gift of this unfolding, I have a picture of a man who graced this earth with an uncommon presence of being. A man who was beloved by his friends and touched each of their lives deeply. A man who chose the difficult path of self growth to end familial cycles of abuse. A man who laughed and made others laugh. And a man who faced his death with the courage of an open heart.
It is this picture of Greg that has helped to redefine for me what is possible in my own life. And in this way, he is a father to me now even if we weren't able to share that exchange while he was alive.
Greg had planned to do this ride before his Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma prevented him from participating. So I am here now to ride in his honor. I hope to find further connection to him and Cameron as I continue to weave our life stories together. And at the same time I hope to rekindle memories of, and love for, Greg in the people who were close to him. Thanks for any support you have to offer toward this meaningful adventure!
Sincerely, Ryan Comini
