John D.'s Motorcade

On December 16th, 2005 several of our "Scratchers" group got together.  One of our own, John D., was being admitted to Desert Samaritan for surgery to remove a Tumor.  He has endured months of radiation and chemo... and has managed to maintain an upbeat/positive outlook.  John is an inspiration to us all.  A fellow SWA pilot, Paul M.,  collaborated with John's significant other, Jill, to organize a surprise motorcycle escort to the hospital.

We woke up this morning and planned to meet by 6:15 am at a Starbucks close to John's house.  Jill told him she wanted to stop at Starbucks on the way... and John was really shocked to see us there. :)  JILL IS AWESOME! 

I think it was around 30 degrees when I left the house this morning! One gal (Chantel) came from the north valley! 

It goes to show... "Scratchers" are a great bunch of people... and John is loved by many.

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about 6:20am (and 30 degrees) at Starbucks. Waiting for John.

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Our trusty bikes wait in the dark.		 100_4098.jpg (196414 bytes)
Paul had gotten the call from Jill just a few moments before alerting us to there impending arrival. :)		 100_4099.jpg (231453 bytes)
John's Mom on the left. Jill is getting out of the car. I believe it might've just hit John what was going on!

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Paul (left) greets a surprised John. :)		 100_4101.jpg (208740 bytes)
Paul and John		 100_4102.jpg (232617 bytes)
Chantel and Wallace (undoubtedly discussing the benefits of heated riding attire!)		 100_4103.jpg (204286 bytes)
We were so happy to see John off. In this photo Paul is lining out the motorcade path.
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Mike S. (left), Jill and Bob N.		 100_4105.jpg (225837 bytes)
the gang.		 100_4106.jpg (243225 bytes)
Parked outside the hospital. we gathered a crowd!
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We joined John in admitting to keep him company and to shoot the breeze. what a bunch of hooligans!
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More hooligan shots.		 100_4111.jpg (238359 bytes)
Etc.		 100_4113.jpg (214123 bytes)
The blessed few of us that didn't have to run off to work went to a local cafe for breakfast.

(good times)

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the gang addendum. I thought this was a GREAT shot of everyone that was there. the problem was i took it so i wasn't there and Chantel was mostly obscured. with the magic of photoshop i have corrected my mistakes. ;)

To "Scratchers"...I'm glad to have been a part of today's ride... and thankful to be a part of such a wonderfully caring group. 

To Paul... Thank you for arranging the ride.  Such a wonderfully thoughtful gesture. :)

To John... You are in my thoughts & prayers.  We'll ride soon! :)