Merry Christmas and warmest wishes for you and yours, from sunny Costa Mesa, California!
It is hard to believe I have actually arrived. Upon first waking this morning, in a momentary haze, I was thinking, "How many miles can I make today? How's the weather? The wind? And then it hit me, "I'm here!" And it is nothing short of a Christmas miracle. 
As I rolled in Christmas night, the sight of my brother John, standing in his driveway waving a checkered flag and holding a dozen yellow roses, is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. (View the KABC-TV video.)
He is my true definition of courage, fighting the odds of a devastating disease. My brother is the one who deserves the accolades, and yet he is cheering me on, just as he always has. Humbling is an inadequate word. I now know the true meaning of an overwhelming moment.
Admittedly, with so many weeks and miles passing since leaving our parents' 
driveway in Glen Ellyn, it was surreal to arrive. Pedaling the last 1/2 mile of the 2,441 mile journey with my sister Donna, I came around a bend and 
saw an enormous hand-stenciled banner, (compliments of my brother-in-law Charlie) that read "Congratulations Michelle, you made it!" After crashing through the finish line, there were many tears and hugs as John, his wife Tracy, my sister Donna, her husband Charlie, along with cheering neighbors filled the driveway. It was the perfect family reunion, immensely joyful.
To have been able to share this celebration with our parents, Jack and Joan Thompson, the heart and soul of our family, would have been the only addition that could have made this moment more spectacular. Our parents have been an integral part of this family effort. Although they were deeply missed, without question they were with us in spirit. (Originally I had hoped to arrive during their visit over the Thanksgiving Holiday, but Mother Nature and the 12 or so "non-pedaling days" wreaked havoc with the schedule.)
To be honest, a Christmas arrival would not have been possible if not for my sister Donna, without whom I would still be pedaling somewhere in the Mojave Desert. Meeting me near the California border, acting as my route scout, and transporting BOB, (my trailer) her support allowed me to double my daily miles. Her headlights lit my way through the dark, difficult desert roads and beyond, one day following me until midnight. After descending down the Cajon Pass, I found her nervously waiting for my arrival 6 miles from the summit. I am fairly certain the experience aged her a few years, yet she hung in there. Without a doubt, the completion of this "Journey for John" has truly been a family effort. 
Since Christmas night we have spent time together as a family, sharing stories and of course many laughs. I look forward to spending this holiday week on the west coast, as well as continuing my work in an effort to reach our pledge goal of $50,000 to help my brother and his family. John's journey has just begun as I watch him fight everyday to recover strength, eat, drink and speak. Upon seeing him this Christmas, I am more committed than ever. I ask for your continued support in spreading the word about the route2outsmartcancer bike-a-thon and my brother's battle.
Some of the first words my brother spoke to us on Christmas were "I am going to kick this, you wait and see, I am going to kick this!" And we know he will. He has beat the odds and will continue to do so, with the continued prayers, support and friendship of the route2outsmartcancer community. This is a community I am deeply proud to know. I pray it will continue to grow with your help.
I have been told repeatedly this organization restores one’s faith in human kindness, and I couldn’t agree more. It is a community made up of people who share a belief in the power of faith, family, friends, and the belief that each of us can make a difference. The outpouring of kindness and generosity is appreciated beyond words. Every pledge and prayer received has had an incredible impact on my brother's recovery. Each person I have met along the route, every e-mail, kind word of encouragement, letter and phone call, has been an inspiration. You have been a blessing and are now part of our extended family.
Thank you for taking the time to care about my brother, my family, and my ride. I have had the opportunity to witness humanity at its finest through the efforts of each and every person who has joined with route2outsmartcancer. In a sometimes cynical world that often discourages an effort such as this, with my deepest gratitude, thank you.
Many of you have shared personal stories of your own battle. I believe you will win the battle and beat the odds, just as John will, made possible through the love and support of your family, friends, good doctors, second opinions, and faith. Throughout the 2 month ride, you’ve inspired me with your courage and have made route2outsmartcancer even more meaningful. Please know you were close in my thoughts as I crossed the finish line and hugged my brother.
On behalf of John and our family, we wish for you and your loved ones the gifts that have been shared with us through the route2outsmartcancer community, these being faith, support, friendship, courage, humor, and unconditional love.
Health & Happiness in 2007.
Warmest regards,
Michelle
I'm so glad that you have made it there to see John and the family. Have to tell you it brought tears to my eyes..... Please get in contact with us as soon as possible. John you sure are wonderful and you have a wonderful sister. Good luck to you and your family. Love your extended family now The Fellers......
Posted by: Brenda and the Boys Dekota Ransom and Blade | January 07, 2007 at 05:31 PM