I spent the week, all week, struggling with my priorities. On the one hand, if I don’t work on Sock Summit virtually all moments of the day and night I’m not sure I’ll be ready. (I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready actually, I suppose what I mean is “finished” rather than “ready”) On the other hand, Meg was on the Friends for Life Bike Rally – riding 600km for the People with AIDS Foundation… and the thought of a seventeen year old doing something like that and not having their mum and the finish line was more than I could bear. We’d been considering surprising her, and late Thursday I snapped, decided that being a mum had to win this internal war, tossed pretty much my whole office into the car and told Joe to drive.
He drove. We hauled arse as far as Brockville, stayed in a cheap motel (with wi-fi, so I could work) I worked into the night, slept a little, then worked until checkout – then got back in the car again the next morning and drove into Montreal while I kept on working from what became my road office.
(I’d like to take a minute to point out that Joe is actually one of the best husbands in the world. He really is. He’s game, he’s good natured, and he knows better than to buck a woman this close to the edge. I say “I need to be in Montreal tomorrow” and he says “Awesome. I’ll get my keys.” I say I have to plaster the car in post-it’s and keep working the whole way there, and he wipes the dash so they’ll stick real good and gets himself some cd’s to listen to while he drives. He’s taken a lot of Sock Summit heat, and I just love him to death for all that he does for me. It’s like he’s Captain of the good ship Hellofaguy.)
So we pull into Montreal (on the way there Meg texts us that they’re almost there – I don’t tell her I’m on my way) and and we can’t find the place and I’m flipping out. I mean, we take all this time that I don’t really have and I make Joe drive seven hours to get to see Meg, Ken and Pato pull in, and I can’t find it? I’m on the phone with Rachel H, she’s google mapping and website checking and I’m yelling “I’m on Rue Sainte-Catherine!” when a woman walks up and says “It’s here. This is the place. If you’re waiting for someone on the ride, they’re coming in here, but not for a while, so there’s time to get a coffee” and she’s so familiar to me, you know? I totally know this woman, I’m sure of it, and then I’m about to say “Have we met? I’m sure I know you” when Joe leans over and says “Holy cow that’s Ann Medina” and my gosh it is, and I don’t know her – she’s famous, almost everybody knows her (or her voice) and we chat with Anne for a while and it turns out she’s waiting for her best friend’s son Phil, and we tell her about Meg, Pato and Ken, and then there’s Pato’s older brother, and soon it’s a little party, and more people come, and more people. Then the crew that’s been supporting the riders for six days shows up and that’s really exciting, because if the crew’s there, then the riders can’t be far away.
We all wait, we all look up the road and wait. We know they’ll have a police escort, we know that they do the last 10k as one big mass of blue. A big force of riders coming up the road, and that’s not the sort of thing you can miss, but they’re still not there. We wait, and wait more and finally someone yells “I see them!” and I ran out to see if I could see them coming, and I could.
Way down the road, there they all are – and I’m so excited I can’t stand it. Will she be happy to see us? Is it going to be one of those things where parent’s make a supreme effort to turn up and the kid’s all “Hey, what are you doing at my party – and um… how long are you staying?”
Finally, when I think I can’t stand it anymore, and everyone around me is cheering, the riders arrive…
riders and riders,
and riders and riders… and I can’t find Meg and Pato, or Ken… and Pato’s brother yells “GOT THEM!” and he points and there they come, my little Megaboo… riding in, part of this great huge thing…
and I should MEGGIE!…. and she looks at me, and her face lights up, and she yells “MUMMY”, and I started to laugh, because she must have been glad to see me, because she’s just about 18 years old, and she gave up calling me “mummy” in public a lot time ago. They all ride by and she’s gone, into the crush, and Joe yells “I’m going to find her! ” and he’s gone too.
We found them, the three of them after a period of confusion, and I was so happy to see her. So happy I choose her over the Summit (sorry Tina) and they danced and celebrated.
Meg introduced me to all her new friends…
I met Ann Medina’s Phil
and I took a good look at the three riders I love especially. The People With Aids Foundation does some pretty awesome work, they really do, and this ride does a lot more good, but I’ll be forever grateful for what it’s given me, which is a chance to see my little Megaboo not just as my child, but as a woman with a heart of gold, the willpower of a woman twice her age, and the strength of an ox.
I’m so proud of all of them. Three cheers for my three riders. I love them all.
Awesome!! Congratulations to all!!
very cool. I think kids deep down inside appreciate all that we do.
Steph,
I bet you are very proud of your little girl,lol! I love the pic of the guy holding her up……Bet she was tired but happy!
Awesome. And I think you definitely made the right choice.
Way to go Meg, Pato and Ken AND MUM! Can’t wait for Sock Summit and if some things aren’t finished, well, your family is more important.
You made me cry a little. Good job raising that one (all three, really)!
isn’t being a mom the awesomest???
congrats! she must be wicked fabulous to pull this one off!!!
It’s amazing with all that’s happened blog-wise this last week, there is still this wonderful account of something really important. Thank you.
ahhh sweetie there is no sorry in mummy-land.
You were where your heart needed you to be, you can never go wrong with that! Besides SSo9 will be awesome no matter what happens.
Congratulations all round!!!! Hoooray!
(Dude, has Joe got a single brother who happens to be into overweight, brainy US chicks?)
Congrats. You made the right choice. (And kudos to Joe for being such a good guy.)
Yea!!!!! They are seriously giving people to ride that far for a good cause. Right On!!
Ya done Good Ma!!! and Dad, too !!!
Don’t let anyone else tell ya otherwise!
Stephanie, you have often made me laugh, many times made me think, and you are very inspiring in the knitting department, but today for the first time you brought tears to my eyes. What great parents you and Joe are! And I know that Meg appreciated your efforts to share in her excitement at the end of the ride.
Fabulous choice!
As I posted a few days ago, seeing those riders flow by is the most awesome chill in the world!!
This post totally made me cry.
Congratulations and thanks to Megan, from another Megan.
Every single person connected with Sock Summit thinks this was the right choice. I’m positive.
And if somebody has a problem with it, they can come talk to me.
Cheers to Meg, Pato and Ken! What an accomplishment!
Awesome kids, awesome husband, just an awesome family all around!
Good Job Meg & Stephanie too!!!!
What an awesome post!! Totally brought a tear to my eye.
Congratulations Meg, Pato and Ken!
And congratulations to you and Joe for raising such an amazing young woman.
That is fabulous! I struggle with priorities, too. Sometimes, we chose the right one! Great choice and great job, riders!
That is a wonderful story! Congratulations to all, kudos to you, Joe and Meg!
Oh, Stephanie! What a thrill for all of you-not just your own special riders, but everyone involved. You and Joe must be bursting with pride. I loved your post. You made me cry! Cheers, Hazel.
Tears in my eyes! You’re a great mom; Joe’s a great guy, Meggie is awesome!
I have an 18 month old son, and I sometimes look at his beautiful face and wonder what he will be like when he grows up. l wish with all my heart that I have such a great moment in the future, as you have had with watching her cross the finish line.
Your story brought me to tears! You have a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing
All the riders rock. And so do their Mummies and Daddies. Only choice to make really!
I was in tears to see (hear of, I mean) Megan’s finish. You must’ve been sobbing. Admit it.
Aww! Congratulations to the extreme!
Congratulations to your riders!! What a great accomplishment, for everyone on the ride. Totally made me cry too.
I am so glad you got that new car and were able to go see them at the finish!! Good luck with the Summit, couldn’t make it this year. I know it will be great.
Yay for Meg, Pato, and Ken! WTG!!! A proud moment for everyone, and I’m glad your Mummy surprised you. (That’s still making me grin).
ps I have a ‘Joe’, too. And he’s wonderful. But…do you ever sometimes–just on full moons–almost get annoyed by his calm and how it makes you feel like a whirling neurotic dervish by comparison and sometimes when he faces you on that time of the month with utter unflabbabilty and that ‘patient’ face does it make you want to hit him with a….
OK, nevermind. It’s probably only me.
Excellent choice! Congrats all around!
seriously? i’m crying right now. what an amazing thing to do – both Meg and you!
I’m crying right now the way I did when my then 17 year old daughter crossed the finish line at her first marathon. You made the only choice- first by picking Joe! and then by going to see Meg. See you at Sock Summit!
I’m tearing up reading about your trip to surprise your daughter (I think I’m going through menopause because I cry at everything lately). Her new friend is gorgeous! (please don’t think I’m a pedophile for saying so) I’m so excited for Sock Summit that it’s hard to sleep. I can’t wait to be there among all of the knitters. Maybe I’ll even see your curly little head bopping around (I doubt you ever hold still).
p.s. Are you running out of Post-It Notes yet? Perhaps I should have invested in 3M stock.
Congrats to Meg, Ken and Pato! They, and all the other riders, rode for those who couldn’t and those who have gone on far too soon. God bless them.
Also? Joe and all the other spouses and partners should be called ST-3 and beer should be sent to them…
p.s. you’re an awesome mom
crying… awesome daughter you have
Congratulations to Meg and friends!
(why is she wearing a card around her neck? Is that because of her spectacular fundraising?)
Love this story! I went to watch my son run a race today and he was glad I was there so I know Meg was glad you all were too. Great choice!
Joe is a peach, Meg is a saint, and I’m close to tears. My husband leaned over to see the post, I was so thrilled for you all, and now he’s beaming too. Thank you, all of you!
What a beautiful and funny story! My daughter is only 9, but it made me cry thinking of the day that she may cross a finish line of some sort, too. Way to go for following your instincts and your heart.
Congratulations! To the riders, to everybody else who they rode with, and to you for being a terrific mum!
And you know what? Sock Summit will be just fine; there’s other people to back you up if you miss anything. But being there for your daughter? Something that you would have kicked yourself for the rest of your life if you’d missed it. You made the best decision, and the proof lies in your wonderful girl(s)!
I’ve come to realize that even though it seems like sometimes we’ve got really important things to do, and we can’t give up on them, sometimes we’ve got to let it all go and take care of ourselves and our families and friends.
I’m so proud of your family.
Count me amongst the weepy! This post is so sweet! (Even the post-its all over the dashboard are testament to your love of your daughter over everything else, even if everything else has to come along for the ride.)
Congrats to all the cyclists–what a truly wonderful group of people.
And you and Joe rock, Steph, you really do! I’m glad the two of you were there for Megaboo.
Congratulations to all! What a fabulous decision to go and be there.
Take care.
Sarah
I teared at your post, then teared some more at the comments. Aren’t knitters grand?
OK, this has got to stop! I’m not supposed to cry when I’m reading this blog. It’s about knitting and yarn and sock summit and stuff. Now this is twice in one week. The first being the “we shall never speak of again” event and now this. I’m so proud of your daughter and of you, too. I know that being a Mom is my most favorite thing in the whole world. I’m absolutely bursting with pride for you. Tell Joe he’s my hero!
This is just about the most wonderful thing I have ever read.
What a great thing for you and Joe to go meet Megan and Pato and Ken. You made the right choice. After all, you could work on Sock Summit in the car, but you would never have the opportunity to meet Meg at the finish line on her first Friends for Life Bike Rally. I’m so glad you shared the story with us. Joe is one great guy.
okay, i wasn’t going to comment about tearing up, but since robin o admitted to it too…
*sigh*
With tears in my eyes … congratulations to you and your beautiful, generous family and good friends! Best to you all!
Good for Meg. When she is facing adversity later in life (as we all do sooner or later), she will be able to say, “I can do this, I did the Friends For Life Bike Rally, I am a strong woman. Good for you- being a Mum is the most important job you can have. You made me cry when you told about Meg spotting you. Please never stop writing. P.S. Give Joe a treat soon to thank him- I think you can guess what.
Wonderful! Congratulations! This brought a tear to my eye.
THE most important thing in the world is the love of a family. You’re all terrific.
I’m teared up, too.
Hugs.
I actually got a little teary reading this. What a thing to pull off. Please give Meg and Pato and Ken a “well done” from me.
You made the right choice. Anyone can do the Sock Summit work–oh yes they can–but only you and Joe can be there to greet your little Megaboo and her compadres. It’s the difference between the important and the vital. Family always comes first! (By the way, tell Joe we all adore him. We want to clone him and marry him. Even those of us who are already married.)
WOO! go meg ken and pato! thats amazing what you did! and stephanie, thats great that you went all that way to see meg family should alway come before buisness!
Yay!
Great that you were there—Sock Summit will be great with or without extra work but you will never forget seeing Meggie ride in. I love Ann Medina—among other things she is the best panel moderator in the world.
I am so awestruck by how…awesome…that is! You should be so proud of Meg and everyone who rode that 600km! CONGRATS!!!
Lovely! Bet you enjoyed that “Mummy.” My mother says the time I came home from college (er, university) and said “Mommy!” instinctively when I saw her is one of the favorite moments of her life.
That Joe is a good man. Good family all ’round, really.
Oh congratulations … to Meg, Pato, and Ken. To Joe. To you, Steph. Awesome riders, awesome effort for all involved, awesome family.
So glad you and Joe were there at the finish line — some things you don’t get ‘do overs’ on and this is one that I think you would have regretted.
That’s so wonderful. Being “mummy” or “mommy” or “mom” always has to be the top priority!!!
Your description and the photos made me feel like I was there — made me cry too….
Going to see your daughter over Sock Summit? Excellent choice! Besides, moments like these are rare in a lifetime and should be enjoyed and savoured like a fine wine (or good beer) Congratulations to all of the riders. I can only imagine how proud you are of ALL of them.
Awesome Secret Mission. Congrats to Ken, Meg, Patrico, and Joe for a safe Mission Accomplished! (Truly awesome maternal decision.)
Curious. Was this the first long car ride without needles in your hands?
Being the single mum of a dashing young 23 year old son, (of whom I am eternally proud, can’t, but will wait for those red-headed grand babies), I love to hear about those unsolicited, make-ya-tear-up, mom stuff like that. More than anything, our children are our “raison-d’etre”
I did note that no one was holding a sock.
This post made me cry – big time! You should be so proud of yourself for raising such great daughters. And you definitely made the right decision to go – you’ll never capture that ‘mummy’ moment again, but it will be in your heart forever.
Geez Steph, I cried when I read this! What a wonderful “mom” moment! Thanks for the glimpse of your Megaboo, she’s a great kid!
AWESOME! 🙂
Way to go!! 😀
Goosebumps and tears reading this one. 🙂 i agree with Helen at 4:55, just a bit above me, that the “Mummy!” is very precious. Congratulations to Meg and Pato and Ken!!! Did they get their gold jerseys yet???
I don’t know why but that post made me cry! Congrats to you and Meg and hugs to Joe for being a wonderful Hubby!
Totally right choice. Awesome, wonderful daughter.
Just awesome all the way around. Congrats to Meg, Pato & Ken. Thanks Joe for being such a wonderful husband & Dad.
What a great post! Congratulations to Meg, Pato, Ken and all of the other riders. I think it’s wonderful that you and Joe went and surprised Meg like that–what a great memory that will be for all of you!
I can’t imagine how wonderful it must’ve been for you. I had tears in my eyes just reading about it.
I’m proud of her, and I’m not even her mom!
Wow!
You did good with her!
I’m crying. Mums have to go there; it’s what matters most. I surprised mine once when she played at a folk festival far away. We both cried. Good for Megan, and good for you! I’m glad you have your priorities straight (though not surprised).
This is what life is all about – in so many ways. I send congratulations and tears of joy to All.
love (1000)
Aww, this post made me tear up and just about cry. Congratulations to them all: you have so much to be proud of!
All that and Ann Medina too! Good for Meg & friends (all of them), good for you, good for Joe.
Congrats all around.
You met Ann Medina? Holly shit. That’s huge. She’s, like, an icon.
Glad to know that I am not the only one who got all teary eyed. Way to go guys!! and Stephanie you are an AWESOME Mom to be there at the end.
WAY TO GO MUMMY! I know Tina couldn’t be more proud of all of you. Meg- you are so incredibly awesome… wish I had been that together at your age. WHOOT!
Oh my gosh, you had me boohooing over here.
Congratulations and cheers to the “kids”!!
Thank you for sharing your special moment with us.
Dang, girl! I was crying along with you. You were crying, weren’t you? I almost forgot she’s not my kid. Way to go, Meg.
Excellent choice, excellent family, excellent post ~ Thank you!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!
So glad you went, that they rode, that Joe drove, and we all got to hear about it.
That’s awesome (all the way around).
Man oh man…sometimes this world can really get a person down so THANK YOU, Stephanie, Joe, Megan, Pato, Ken, et al. for making me see that there is still wonderful left in this world, a lot of it. And yes, of course I’m sitting here crying. Who isn’t?
What a brilliant, beautiful post! Your parenting is inspiring. Thank you for sharing the moment with us!
Tears in my eyes too…we all are so proud of them!
Right decision, no way around it. Enjoy the time with your babies celebrating their big moments, it is the only way to go.
This made me cry, I am not really a sentimental person, but this made me cry.
We have watched Meg grow up into a beautiful young woman and this just touches my heart.
Meg and all your riders I am so proud of you all and I have NEVER met you – how silly is that?
I’m crying too! Well done, Meg!
When I saw the big yellow arrow I yelled WAHOO! How does that feel as a mother?
I was full of motherly pride reading this post. Of course you made the right decision!!! The SS09 will not be any less spectacular because you had your priorities in the right order. I am packing at this moment and then on my way toward Portland!!!!
De lurking to offer you an official Sock Summit “cut me some slack” coupon. If you find yourself thinking that you shoulda coulda done something (brought back-up post-its?) we will all say “that’s OK, you went to Montreal instead!” Congrats!
Holy Cow, I must be tired – I’m *crying* reading this! It’s so sweet and mum-ish and wonderful. Talk about making the right choice for your kid!!!!! 🙂
That’s amazing! I totally cried reading this because it all makes me so happy. Way to go Meg, Pato and Ken!! And how awesome that you got to see them ride in 🙂
Yay Meggie and friends! You go!!!!!
Clearly, YOU made the right choice. Congratulations to all the riders, especially your three.
Reading this post has me in tears — tears of a mom who knows how much a kid values the presence of mom & dad at the end of an arduous journey.
OMG, why did this make me tear up??
Yay Meg and Pato! Yay Stephanie and Joe!!!!
You be the captain of the good ship Hellaofamother.
I meant that WAY better than it sounds :-}
You, Joe, Megan, Pato and Ken TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!
(I have a Joe, too, but his name is Chuck. Aren’t they wonderful???)
Yes . . . I’m crying too. Isn’t parenting a wonderful child (or three) the best gig ever??!! Glad to add Meggie to the list of young humans who give me hope that the species might survive after all.
YOu are awesome. Oh my I am crying. I would do that too! I’m so glad you did. The rest will fall together. Hugs
Whew, they made it! Of course you had to be at the finish line. I have my own “Joe” named Don. He’s my biggest cheerleader, puts up with all my what he calls “manias”, and he’s my solace in times of need. Marrying him was the best thing I ever did. I love being a mom, too, it’s all I ever really wanted to be.
. . . and Ken and Pato and Ann Medina’s Phil go on the list too.
You’re such a sweet mom! Congrats to the bicyclists!
That is SO beautiful! I’m glad you and Joe were able to be there at the finish line. And, you know, I think a lot of us are so proud of Megan and Pato for their hard work and sacrifice. It’s really cool to see teenagers (like I’m so much older myself…) invested in something larger than their usual communities of friends and family. Good job guys!
I know how you feel. I had a similar experience when I waited with my husband and sons on the pier in Norfolk, VA when our son, Rhyan, returned from his tour of duty in the Arabian Sea on the aircraft carrier, USS Roosevelt, which had been a first responder in the aftermath of 911. I still get choked up when I think of the effects of that cold raw morning being diminished by the warmth that filled my heart when we first spotted his ship on the horizon. As it came in closer and closer to the dock I was reduced to a puddle of tears and we hadn’t even spotted him yet! A popular song at the time, “I’m Already There”, by Lonestar, was blaring from the loudspeakers. A few years later that was our song of choice for the mother/son dance at his wedding.
Our children can provide us with moments of desperation and corresponding moments of joy. Megan certainly did a joy number on you this time!
Got to go blow my nose now.
I can’t believe you made me cry! Congratulations Meg, Pato and Ken for a job well-done … for that matter, to all the riders and those associated with the ride! Oh, and let’s all raise a pint (or two or three!) to Captain Joe of the good ship Hellofaguy.
Evidently husbands named Joe are the best….I have one of my own. He definitely wouldn’t have jumped in the car and washed down the dashboard, but he might have planned the whole surprise thing on his own. And he has other qualities of “being there for me”. What a great story. And what a great husband. And what a great family. Congratulations.
Wow, Anne Medina! Hope she knows she just met someone famous too!
Good for you, sounds beyond wonderful to have been there!
hey, this is off the subject, but wanted you to know you are a fabulous author AND mother! So am wondering when your next book will be or if you are feeling inspired to write another one at some point soon? I mean after the you recover from the Sock Summit that is..
Thank you for all your great talents offer the rest of us.
Well, gosh, this just made me all happy-teary!
Good Job, Meggie!!! Good Job, Mummy!!! Good Job, Hellofaguy!!!
(Once again, you made me cry!)
Children always come before work. I am totally not surprised that you made the decision that you did. Meghan will never forget you being there to greet her when she crossed the finish line. What a priceless memory!
BTW, love the Mac on the front seat!!! Go Mac, Go Mac!
Love it.
I’m so glad the mommy in you won out on this one! You will always remember this moment, and so will Meg! 🙂
That’s a mighty fine set of priorities you’ve got there… 😀
Definitely the right choice! Great post!
I got all choked up reading that. Congratulations to Miss Meg and to her friends, old and new. And to you and Joe for raising such a fine daughter.
Totally the best choice. 🙂 Congratulations to all!
smiling one of those smiles where your bottom lip quivers and tears come running down your cheeks…way to go meg and co! Way to go Parents! Woot woot!!!
Congratulations to Meg, Pato and Ken!!! And to all of the other riders, too. :o)
How cool is that, hanging out with Ann Medina?
And I really think 3M should come out with special Yarn Harlot signature post-its…or maybe SS2 (I’m still hoping for a second one, so I can come…maybe it could be like the Olympics, every four years?) ones. You’ve given them enough publicity. :o)
omg, what a wonderful moment! I’m so glad you made that choice & I know Meg was too. I also know you needed that boost. Now on to sock summit you. I hope you do this (ss)next year & I hope I get to come with my daughters.
Great story. You’re a good mom.
Oh my, you totally made me cry. 🙂 The “MEGGIE” then “MUMMY!” was definitely what did it. I sincerely hope my daughter and I will have that kind of relationship when we’re older. (She’s currently four, so basically impossible…somehow I doubt that’s going to improve in the teen years!)
Congrats to your three, they are an inspiration!
Bronwyn
Aww, made me teary, and inspired. You must tell your Meg that she has inspired me to do our ride for MS next year. My sister has MS and has had a very bad flare up last week. Maybe my little part in 2010 will help someone find a cure.
Hey! I didn’t know Joe was the CAPTAIN!!?! MY husband is on that ship, too!!!
Small world, eh?
Glad to see you have your priorities straight–although I never really doubted it. Congratulations to all on a wonderful accomplishment!
Totally Fantastic!!! Congratulations to all the riders! And to you, Steph, for having such a wonderful, loving guy. Carol
What a great blog piece this is! Thank you so much for sharing this Stephanie. Loved it!
That’s so, so, SO awesome. I’m sitting here bawling my eyes out, it’s that awesome. 😀
Awe.Some.
Though I’m sure someone will send you hate mail about it, I think ditching SS09 to go see your daughter finish an epic bike race is totally the right move. This entry gave me chills.
And Ann Medina’s Phil gave me heart palpitations. Whew.
Go, Mum! Socks have their place, but Meg … You really rock!
Wow! What a great story, and thank you so much for sharing it with us. Megan is an amazing young woman! She also has some pretty amazing parents. This made me teary, too, thinking how excited she must be, and how proud you must be of her.
awesome! Congratulations to Meg and all who rode with her! And YH you most often make me spew coffee at my computer – today you made my eyes water. Congratulations to you for raising such a wonderful person.
Way to go, Meg, Pato, and Ken. You are inspirations.
You know parents always say they are so proud of their kids..the get good grades they are polite to adults…but then they come through for others less fortunate then themselves and you realize…damn I did a good job and the pride metor just goes over the top…damn harlot and Joe, you did good!
This is exactly the kind of thing my mother used to do. Thank you for reminding me what wonderful surprises can be sprung on us by the people who love us most.
Congratulations to all of you — well done!
Three cheers from Tennessee, too. Your pride is practically palpable, and rightfully so. Congratulations!
*sniff sniff*
That was an awesome post. Congrats on your Secret Mission working, Joe being the super captain and to Meg, Pato and Ken for being the type of people that make this world such a marvelously loving place!
That is just awesome!!!! You are Joe are incredible parents and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Glad it all worked out. I’m sure all 3 were thrilled to see you both there.
BTW… Ann Medina drinking a beer. How awesome is that! Now that lady is a Canadian! 🙂
Great post! Being Mum definitely the right call. Joe is definitely a keeper.
Good call, mum. Congratulations to you all!
Yeah!!!!
Yup, definitely the right choice to go, a great husband and a fabulous daughter with super friends.
Yay to Meg, Pato, and Ken! And yay to Joe for getting you there!
Congratulations Meg, Pato and Ken. You have achieved something on a level few people ever reach. I hope you can enjoy lots of warm baths over the next few days.
Oh geez. First, my heart’s racing like I’m at the finish line, too. Where are they? Hurry up… Then I’m crying because you found her and she called you “mummy” and you were probably crying too but didn’t say so. Oh geez. The best blog post! Being a mom is the best thing in the world!
Wow! Awesome secret mission and I am so pleased that the world holds people like all of you in it. Your priorities are right on target. You make our world so much better.Thanks a million for sharing this great adventure.
This is wonderful – this shows you that you did an excellent job in guiding Meg into adulthood. I totally cried at the “mummy” part, mostly ’cause my little boy is 5 and it makes my heart glow when he runs up to me and yells “mama”! I can only hope that he still does that (even just once in a great while) when he’s 18 too. Good work Steph. (And Megan and Pato and Ken).
PS: Oh! And good job to Joe too!
OH-MY-GOD Stephanie!!! Your little one is a woman!! What a fabulous picture of her…she looks so STRONG!!! And another strong woman: Ann Medina!!!! …and YOU!!! Wow, fab role models!!!
What a wonderful moment for you and Joe to have shared with your daughter. Congratulations.
There really is no other option when the mother genes kick in. They are always right. And it does us all good to remember the first connections as we’re letting each other move on to the next phase.
Job well done!
*Sigh*. It’s 9.30am on Sunday morning here in Australia and I’m about to have breakfast. Reading this post made me smile and tear-up a little. I don’t have kids, but I totally dig how important it is to support your loved ones; especially when they’re doing something soooo important. Well done you! AND big yays to Megan, Pato, Ken AND Joe!!!
you made the right choice, really the only choice. She will always remember that her “mummy” was there at the finish and that’s just the best.
Congrats to Ken, Meg and Pato! it’s so cool when your kids do something so selfless.
See you in just a few days – looking forward to helping out wherever I can!
Wow, such awesomeness all around!
I have a Canadian co-worker in her early 30’s who’s always referring to her mummy. I think it’s cute.
WTG Mum! you shud be so proud! You & Joe did good! …’cept you made me cry reading that post. 😛
Well done everyone!
That’s so awesome that they accomplished such a big task! Congratulations to them. 🙂
Wow I have tears in my eyes. Good for Meg for cycling and good for you for going to see her. What a nice day. Oh yeah and good for Joe for being such a good guy!
Thanks so much for sharing. My close friends all have really little kids (5 and under) and my boy is 14. They don’t yet understand why my son using a coaster (without being asked!) is such a big deal. So, it rocks to hear about some of the wins of bigger kids.
Seeing all the insane parenting come to such beautiful fruition must be amazing.
You made the right/best/most awesome choice.
And you made me cry again. Sheesh.
That brought tears to my eyes – what a great mother you are, and what a super hubby and family you have! These are the moments that you will all remember. Congratulations to all of you. Now, on to the Sock Summit!
You definitely get the “Awesome Mom” award for that! What kid wouldn’t appreciate seeing their parents at a finish line like that?
Well done, all five of you: Meg, Pato, Ken, Joe, and you.
I have a wonderful hubby, too. He was up at 6 a.m. building a hanger for my new triloom.
That Joe drove to Montreal was great, but that he wiped the dash so your post its would stick was outstanding.
That’s awesome. Serious dedication to Meg and to SS. I don’t think my mother would drive 7 hours to watch me finish a race (How are they supposed to get home??). Awesome.
You brought tears to my eyes. I felt like I was with you waiting with anticipation at the finish line, full of pride. There’s nothing better than seeing your Mom at the end of an accomplishment.
Your decision to go was the best! Those of us going to Sock Summit appreciate your work, and know it will be even better for you knowing that you did a great “Mom” thing. Enjoy all of your and the kids triumphs.
What a lovely post – you share so much insight into you and your family. Your husband sounds like a rare and special man (even though I’m sure there are times you’re ready to kill him, too!), and it’s heartwarming that he put up with you and you put up with going because you knew it was important to be there for your daughter – thanks for making me smile and reminding me there are really great people in the world.
“and I should MEGGIE!…. and she looks at me, and her face lights up, and she yells “MUMMY”, and I started to laugh, because she must have been glad to see me”
That made my heart sing.
Oh my gosh, that made me cry. Kind of a lot. So happy for you.
AWESOME story! I’m so proud of your riders! Your family is wonderful. I’m pretty sure my Hubster is on that ship too!
You are such a good mum.
Add me to the list of people you made well up with this post and congrats to all!
Joe deserves the “Husband of the Year” award for sure! And I almost cried when you talked about how proud you are of Meg. I hope I have a daughter as selfless as her one day.
Hip hip! Hooray! Hip hip! Hooray! Hip hip! Hooray! 😀
chalk another one up to mothers’ intuition! congratulations to the riding crew – what a feat! the story gives me goosebumps – thank you for sharing.
best.
I had a tear in my eye when I read the part about Meg yelling, “Mummy!”
I say this as a childfree woman who believes there are too damned many people on this planet: You should have had more children.
Good choice! Congrats to Meg, Pato, and Ken.
“MUMMY” Choke, OMG Steph, that says so much about her, you and Joe…
Tearing up…cant see to type
Blessings
What a fantastic post …and just more proof that being a mummy is the BEST job in the world 🙂
Yea for being there when your daughter rode in. I am writing this with a few tears rolling down my face (I’m a sap). You will always remember this. Yes, Joe is a great guy – – and people like that don’t often get the kudos they deserve. A great post, and thank you for sharing. The sock summit will be fine. Trust Me.
Wonderful that they finished (and in good spirits, it seems) and fantastic that you were there to see it!
My Dear Stepahie,
You had me at “MUMMY!”
Now I’m crying like the dickens…and thinking of the last time my girl (she almost 30) called me Mumma!
I look to you to always make the RIGHT choice…
and you can never go wrong playing the Momma card.
I am so VERY proud of you and your girls, and Joe.
Hellafa-Fambly!
Hoooooo-rah Girlie!
oh that’s so cool! how proud you all must be!
That was a great post. Congratulations to them for their accomplishment! And Congratulations to you for being an awsome mom.
Congratulation to Meg and her friends! Your story brought tears to my eyes. You did the right thing driving to see the finish of a great accomplishment!
I hope you get to the point where you can enjoy the fruits of your labors at the Sock Summit!
Such a touching post – thank you. I was moved to tears by the mum-daughter connection and all of the pride of your “little” girl.
Mom stuff this big always trumps work stuff. And the fact that Joe’s put up with all of your madness all these years puts him in a category all to himself. If he came to SS09 a bazillion knitters would give him the biggest hug and thank him for being so understanding, patient, and supportive.
Thumbs up to everyone!
Gah, I’m crying now, too! Beautiful blog, one of your best since I became a reader. Meg, Pato, Ken: congrats! Joe: you’re awesomesauce! And congrats to you too, Stephanie. You are blessed and have raised a wonderful human being 🙂
Hooray for Meg! She’s obviously awesome. Can you write a parenting book now for those of us wallowing in the trenches with the under fives? I want 17 to look like HER!
Wow, that brought a tear to my eye. You speak of your children and husband with so much love and pride! You’ve actually always reminded me a lot of my own mum. I live in Montreal and she was supposed to drive to town to visit me for the day, but I woke up with a migraine so we called it off. Hope you had fun in Montreal!
Such a big smile on my face right now. What a great story. 🙂
So awesome!!! Congratulations!!!
Awwww…..*sniffles* That was just fantastic…I’m all weepy in my brusselsprouts….
Usually you make me laugh, this made me cry…… Good for you, good for Joe, good for the bikers. You will never regret going to be there at the finish line for them but you would have regretted not going.
What a great post! As a fellow Canadian meeting Ann Medina was probably pretty neat too.
My gosh, I am teary and choked up for you and your daughter – I am SO glad you went, as she (and you) must be – totally the best thing to do –
I, as one of the thousands (?) of Sock Summiteers (we need hats with ears or something) am absolutely 100% behind you on your decision to go, and know that this will only make your time in Portland that much more meaningful…
My gosh, I am teary and choked up for you and your daughter – I am SO glad you went, as she (and you) must be – totally the best thing to do –
I, as one of the thousands (?) of Sock Summiteers (we need hats with ears or something) am absolutely 100% behind you on your decision to go – ABSOLUTELY the right thing to do
I think even if they say, “Oh, mother” with that tone, you know the one, if we hadn’t gone and been there, somewhere, deep down they’d have missed us.
It’s just so worth it to me to say to them, “I love you and I just want to be there and see you.” They get to be cool and disdainful when they need to be and I get to be Momma. Now that they’re in their twenties, they’ve begun to be far less disdainful.
There are lots of ways to say, “I love you,” and all of them are worth doing.
I’m so glad you have the people in your life that you do and can pass on that joy to us.
Congratulations to all the riders all around! Way to go!
Now… I think I need to go call my Mom…
This brought tears to my eyes! I’m so happy you could be there. It’ll always be one of the highlights of her life..both the race and her Mummy being there. 🙂
Your Megaboo is the best. Good choice of priorities, Mom.
Congratulations!
Hurray for fantastic husbands, amazing kids and the power of mother love!
You made the right choice, three cheers for Meg, Pato and all of the other riders. What memories they will have from this experience, and that their efforts will help the cause and inspire others just adds to the whole effort. We (myself and the two knitting groups I belong too) are SO EXCITED about the Sock Summit, it will be the highlight of the summer – thanks for all the hard work that you put into it so we can enjoy and play.
You moved me to tears with that. Having your child so glad to see you when at the same time you are so busting full of pride for her is a treasure and a gift.
Obviously, you did the right thing and Sock Summit will be just smashing irregardless. I’m certain of it.
Oh, my gosh, I totally teared up reading this, too. Meg is really REALLY lucky, and you and Joe are EXCELLENT parents.
Oh, and um, by the way, I happen to be available for adoption, just in case you’re interested…
Congratulations to Ken and Pato, and your Marvelous Megaboo.
Every now and then those patches on our scalps that we snatched bald out of frustration grow back out of sheer pride and overwhelming love.
How awesome!
Congrats to Meg, Pato & Ken!!! And to you and Joe for doing such a great job with your girl(s). The summit will survive your being there for your little group and the knitters going will completely understand. Thanks for everything you do, even if you made me cry today!
Awww **sniff** this is so beautiful!
You made the right choice.
Steph,
It was awesome that you were there. And bonus points to Joe for making it happen. You are a luck woman. But then, he’s a lucky guy too!
Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!! Hip hip hooray!!!
love love love this post!! hugs to meg to finishing (and still smiling!), hugs to joe for being the uber-model husband, and hugs to you for being an awesome mom!! congrats to all of the riders!!
That’s awesome, congrats! This sort of thing just puts everything into perspective 🙂
My four-year-old is pushing my EVERY LAST button today, challenging everything I say and do and stand for, parenting-wise (i.e., I’ve lost it with him more than once today). Reading this post made me tear up, and realize that maybe, just maybe, we well both get through this and that we might have a “mummy and Megan” moment sometime too. Thank you, Harlot.
Congratulations to all three 🙂 Your a fantastic mum to drive all that way, good on ya, there should be more mums like you. Cheers from Australia. Cya MonikaRose
That was the opportunity of a lifetime, for you and her. I’m so glad for you all that you went.
Hip, hip, hooray! Really – you didn’t have a choice – I can’t imagine any mother choosing anything over her child at such a moment. What a great girl – she does you proud!
Isn’t it great to realize you have had a hand in producing a wonderful person? When my daughter was in her late teens, I found a birthday card that expressed that feeling exactly. It said something like “sometimes I miss the little girl you were, but I would never wish to have that little girl back . . . . “because I would miss the wonderful woman who is now my friend.”
There is both sadness and awe to realize that little girl is now a complete person–and a good one, at that.
Being a mum always wins over…everything. Even over being a super-mega knitting celebrity. And yes, your hubby does sound like a real catch. So congrats to everyone, all around!
BRAVO!!! This post is full of all kinds of goodness! Megan has grown into a beautiful (inside and out) young woman. I’m guessing your Mum is probably feeling pretty proud of you these days too 🙂
Reading this as a mama has me all in tears…of course, you could not have not been there!
I’m not surprised by all the tears of joy, both for your Meg and for their awesome support! After such a frustrating day with web-building, this was a wonderful treat to read!
Brought tears to my eyes. You made the right choice! You’ll know that because you and Meg and Joe will share those memories forever. Congratulations to all!!!
You made the right decision. Sock Summit will still happen, and while there will be screw-ups (there always are), there’s so much excitement and positive feeling about it that it will be terrific. When I was working for an organization that put on workshops for teachers, every time we’d plan a big workshop everyone fretted about how it was all going to be accomplished. One of the fellows in the office always said calmly and with a smile, “Something will happen.” In other words, the workshop would happen, maybe not exactly as planned, but it would happen, and it would be mostly good.
(hijack alert!) Kirsten @3:40, – only after he finds a “clone” for a brainy overweight Canadian chick – no! no! – no flames – just kidding!!!! (well sorta)
Congratulations Meg, Pato, and Ken; good on ya Steph and Joe – great decision! And waiting deleriously for news of SS09 – please, everyone – take pictures! Tons of pictures – we’ll find bandwidth somehow!!!
Jenni in Edmonton – we just had some of your rain!!!
Stephanie
A few years ago (2000) I ran the AIDS marathon in Honolulu. I was 26. My parents flew out to see me at the finish, and I burst into tears when I saw them. It meant so much to me that they were there. I know how Meg probably felt to see you. You made the right choice (though Mum over just about anything else seems to be the right choice, no?)
Congratulations to Meg, Pato, and Ken. They are inspiring and amazing people.
I started crying about halfway through the post. I was doing a pretty good job of holding back the tears then I read Meg shout out for her mummy and it was all over.
Congratulations to Meg, Pato and Ken. The whole world is proud of you.
(Kudos to you too, Stephanie. Raising amazing kids can’t be easy.)
You and your family rock!
I think I might have been more surprised if you HADN’T gone to Montreal!
Lovely photos. Great cause. Wonderful family and family of friends.
Glad to have a been just a wee small part of it!
Awesome!!!
Three cheers for Meg, Pato, and Ken! That is an amazing feat–you’ll all remember it for the rest of your lives!
Moved me to tears. What a great experience for you all.
I just love it when you follow your heart and it turns out as wonderful as you imagine. I knew you couldn’t stay away.
And still you keep the SS09 right up there at the top, right after family. That’s pretty high, you know.
Thank you for sharing the exhilaration of a goal achieved.
Gee, that made me cry. What a lovely family are you all. Bravo riders!
When is love not the answer? Love the office on the road, but even better is feeling like I have another family out there. Congratulations to everyone who made that beautiful moment a reality!
Eve from Carlisle
Congrats to Meg, Pato, and Ken!! What wonderful people!
This post really made me miss my mom and I shed at least one tear. I just moved to another city far from home and I miss her in my life. She has totally driven 6+ hours just to surprise me and it means so much.
Mom’s rule, and you seem like one of the best.
This isn’t even my child and it’s making me tear up! I’m so proud of her and her boyfriend. What wonderful human beings! I know they will continue to grow up to be even more exceptional.
I have a husband like that. Anything is possible with men like that, eh?
Sounds to me like Meg is a testament to your parenting skills. Yay for all of you!!
You’re a great mom/Mummy and Meg is a terrific young woman. Congrats to both of you.
I’m happy being a mom won out, too! GO MEG!
Very cool kid. Extra-Amazing-Cool Husband. You have a wonderful family.
Yes, being Mummy is more important than anything else. Go, Stephanie, for making an excellent difficult decision.
Seeya soon,
LynnH
I remember that feeling. I remember when my daughter (now 28 — then, 21 or so) decided to walk to raise $$ for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Her dad had just lost his second leg (in 2 years) to Type 1 (nearly didn’t survive the surgery)… Her catch-phrase was, “I’m walking because my dad can’t.” Yep. A young woman on a mission. A proud mama. Ain’t nothin’ quite like it. Congrats Meg, Pato and Co!
Oh shit!! I have so much work to do, have a huge ceremony in the afternoon to do for my son, still have to cook until probably 3 am and later, thought I’d see what was going on on your blog for rest, and I’M BAWLING now!!! tears are supremely flowing down my cheeks. Actually, thank you for that, Steph, as the tension in me needed the release-tear-flow. You did good, Momma. I would’ve done the same. And I know my man would have driven me, too. What an adventure.
Congratulations to Megan – what a brilliant daughter – you and Joe must be SO proud of her.
I’m so glad you went. I mean, I’m REALLY looking forward to Sock Summit next week and I know you probably have tons of stuff to do, but I would have felt awful contributing to the reason why you couldn’t be there for this moment of Meg’s.
And kudos to Joe for being such a great guy.
As a SS09 attendee, you are so totally forgiven for being there for your Meg. Big thanks for trying to keep up with Sock Summit work while in a crappy motel room, but on behalf of daughters out there, bigger thanks for being at the finish line for yours. Yet another way you prove you are an awesome human being (and so are Meg, Pato, Ken, Joe, and all of the riders, too). See you in PDX.
I was moved to tears. How lucky are you to have each other for family?! Go Joe (who we collectively love to bits)! Go Megan, Pato, and Ken (what a fabulous experience)! Go Stephanie (for following your heart and not your head).
Hooray and yea and you must be so proud, I can tell. How wonderful to see your children, who you have guided and taught, go out into the world and do something of such value. I am SO happy for you.
Par
I cried at ‘MUMMY!’ too – glad to see I’m not the only one! A fantastic post, and a fantastic effort – well done Meg!
You got me all teary eyed. What a proud moment! (did Joe know Osheaga was going on tonight in Montreal? That’s where my son is tonight)
You know what they say….”Apples don’t fall far from their trees.” Well done Meg, Pato and Ken. And well done Yarn Harlot for some great parenting!
Right now I don’t mind a bit that I have insomnia. Cuz I decided to read what’s up with the Harlot, and now I have tears in my eyes – this made me so happy! Congrats to all involved!!
Big congratulations! I teared up.
I hope when my son is 17 he shows as much courage, strength and commitment as Meg & Pato did. (And Ken, of course. 🙂 )
I cried.
I am so glad you decided to go meet Meg. I hope you didn’t feel one shred of guilt for going. You all deserved it. I know what you mean about your husband. My husband is also totally rocking it. He gets me through the day, and makes sure I eat. Which is priceless, cause otherwise I can’t think and become a raging B****. I don’t know what I would do with out him. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about that.
Meg over socks every time…
*sniff!*
congrats to all, and thanks! You’ve inspired me to start training!
You made the right choice and wow – what an amazing bunch they are!
Good Choice! I’m not entirely sure why that post just brought me to tears (in my emotional defense – it is before 6 a.m. and the dog has been sick and the kitten missed the litter box and we ran out of coffee yesterday) but it was really really good to wake up and read about good stuff and how hard it is to pick the right choice and what good comes of it. (Meg looks really happy!)
Congratulations Meg, Pato and Ken!
I think you made the right choice 🙂
Good for you!!!!!! That’s so awesome! It’s so hard to be a working mom. That fine balance between work and family, which comes first, how do you choose, and worst of all, how do you not feel guilty about your decision after you make a it?!? SIGH!!!!! I long ago figured out that for me, how I decided was based on how I might feel about it 5 years from now. Would I feel guilty for missing an important event? Is this a once in a lifetime thing? How important is it to someone in my family? I decided that I would rather lose some sleep than lose the opportunity to be there when memories are made. (Remember I’m talking about me here. I’m sure that you don’t have much sleep left to give up right now.) When I look back at all the times I had to decide which to choose, I never remember the scrambling I had to do to make up the work, I just remember how happy my family was that I could be there. The work seemed to get done when it was needed to be done, and I was always better off for taking the break and enjoying the moment. So, I decided that once I made the decision one way or another, I wouldn’t second guess myself about it. It was a done deal, it was already in the past, and there was no reason to beat myself up with it by constantly asking if I made the right decision. Besides, the work will always be there, but that look in Meg’s eyes when she saw you at the finish line was definitely a one shot deal. I’m sure that she’s do all kinds of other charity work, but this was her first big adult thing. How wonderful that you get to be there right at the moment she succeeds! Congratulations to you all. Now all you have to do besides finishing everything for SS09, is to find a Hero’s medal for Joe!!!! What a guy!
This is great! Congrats!
And you know what? This is such a wonderful piece of writing. It almost made me cry.
Awesome. Just awesome.
I found myself getting more than a little choked up! And wiped a tear from my eye.
Good going Meg, and pato, and Ken!
And Steph and Joe.
Right choice. Tears. Happiness for you. Willingness to accept minor SS “features” if it meant you got to be present for Megan like this.
That is just awesome. And don’t you just love it when the kids who are “adults” turn around and call you Mommy (or in your case Mummy). It just makes my heart do a little extra “kerthump” when that happens.
Pass the Kleenix, Hazel, I’m having an allergy attack too. I’ve watched my kids finish marathon runs, but never for such a worthy cause.
Happy and proud decision. And pin a blue ribbon on Joe, too. He’s a champ!
yayayayay! this is awesome! congrats “mummy”!
and now I guess she’ll be getting a ride home with you?! (I was wondering. VIA would have to add and extra baggage car for all the bikes :-))
You are blessed all around. Joe is definitely a keeper!
Have a wonderful Sock Summit.
I’m so proud of those 3! And I love that you wrote all that down so that I could get a rush that made me glad to be a part of humanity.
My favourite bit, though? This:
“It’s like he’s Captain of the good ship Hellofaguy.”
It is marvelous to hear that I’m not the only one who feels that way about her man. But put funnier and in a way that’s going to have me grinning all day long.
good choice!! I cried too
What an amazing and lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us. And, wow…Anne Medina? One of Canada’s most distinctive voices? Reminds me of the time I was reading in Pearson airport and heard a “voice” and looked up and it was Mya Angelou. Congrats to the Awesome 3 and their proud parents!!
Lovely! Stef, if you wrote a parenting book, I’d buy that, too 🙂 Looking forward to seeing what my little girls (4 3/4 and almost 1) do as they grow up.
Wonderful! Great riding gang! Very awesome! Great Job Steph and Joe for raising such a great kid!
Nice, good choice, Meg ,over the work on the summit.hey meg ,. drink bananna orange juice, will help with the muscle pain, put your hand knit legwarmers on lol, kisses much pride in your success, thanks for shareing Steph
That was a beautiful story. It made me cry. I have a 15 year old daughter. She is amazing. And I just know how proud you were feeling when you saw your Meg cross that finish line. When time stands still for that moment. As parents we scrafice so much for our kids. It is hard dirty work raising good, moral, amazing kids. When they can accomplish a task that they worked toward for so long. The finish line is a wonderful place to be. Nothing else should matter at that time. I am glad you gave up a wee bit of your time from your sock summit to see her. You will never forget it I know. Because you made me cry.
P.S. I love how you put all those post it notes all over the dash of the car. I would be getting car sick just trying to read those and that computer. lol. Joe is a wonderful guy!!! I bet he wanted to see Meg cross that finish line just as bad as you did. That makes him wonderful.
I know I would have done the same thing, but your story brought tears to my eyes this AM. Thanks for bringing back a lot of memories of being “Mummy”. And don’t fret, Sock Summit is about socks and knitting, lets all remember that, being Mummy is about life and love.
Joyous! Congratulations to the riders – what a terrific job they’ve done. Congratulations to mom & dad, too; so glad you could be there to see them at the end. It’s a great feeling.
What an amazing daughter you have Stephanie! And you made the right choice. The whole thing just made me tear up. Congratulations Meg, Pato, and Ken!
Congratulations to Meg, Pato and Ken for finishing the rally. You made the right choice to be there for her and them. Joe is indeed a great gem. I think you realize that you’ve done a great job raising her. Stephanie, you’ve a lot to be glad for and proud of. So, congratulations to you, too. (And a great post!)
Ohmygosh! I’m actually crying here…what a beautiful story! Nothing can overpower the instinct and dedication of a mother! How blessed you were to be able to make it in time to see her finish! Congratulations to Meg, Ken & Pato!
And JOE!!!! What a great husband!!!
Awww … I teared up at the “Mummy!” 🙂
Congratulations Meg and Pato! And congratulation Steph and Joe an raising such an awesome daughter.
I don’t alway connect to you and your life, but I was warmly pleased to see that your children call you Mummy. That U is very important.
Congratulations to all who rode…a great and powerful thing. Good on Joe for taking such good care of his lovely wife!
And now…give yourself the biggest batch of credit since you have done a fabulous job raising your children and selecting a husband and friends 🙂
Awesome all around – you, Joe, Meg, Pato, and Ken.
That’s so awesome!!!! I think our husbands went to the same school of husbandry! 🙂
Hard to type…eyes all teared up! You did it again! You should not only be button busting proud of your daughter & group but proud of yourself for following your maternal instinct and showing up!! And, of course, special hugs for Joe, dear dependable Joe…….
Congrats to Ken, Meg and Patos for finishing the ride!
And it’s a good thing for SS09 that neither of you opened the window with all those post-its on the dash. This is a good example of how computers make our life easier (I know they often make it harder, when they weren’t supposed to). Can you imagine trying to coordinate and plan something like SS without the aid of email, spreadsheets, and … well … post-it notes aren’t computers, but they were invented by 3M scientists who USED computers 🙂 Then TRY and image doing it while driving 7 hours to Montreal.
Holy smokes! You met Ann Medina?
The Harlot and Ann Medina in the same place – my idea of heaven.
Stephanie,
You definitely have your priorities right. And most of the “have to do” stuff probably will get done. That which doesn’t probably didn’t need to be done, anyway. Take a breath, girl! Don’t stress over this. It will be great! Wish I could go.
This was nine kinds of awesome to read – I teared up a little, and if that happened just from reading, I can guess how worth it it was to actually be there. Have fun in Portland, and kiss the hem of Barbara Walker’s garment for me (metaphorically, of course) – it’s killing me a little that I won’t be there to do it myself.
Three cheers indeed! Those three are amazing. And thank you for sharing this post with us – I had goosebumps and got all sniffly!
Wonderful story. Congratulations to all. It’s terrific you chose to surprise her.
That’s awesome! Good for them.
You are such a terrific on-the-scene reporter that I got tears in my eyes when you spotted Meg!
I got tears in my eyes reading the post! Congrats Megan, Patricio and Ken- You done good!
Awesome! Congratulations to all! Your post brought tears to my eyes.
Heh, you could have stayed at my place instead of one of the crappy hotels in Brockville. I’m only 10 minutes from the 401, between Gananoque and Brockville. I have wifi! And yarn love!
Wiping tears from my eyes now. Awesome family! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Stephanie
I read 3 blogs every single day: YH (of course), A Work in Progress, and Dovegreyreader scribbles.
Today, DG talks about the SS09 with entusiasm and respect!
What a small world! And you help to make it a better place for all of us who love your blog.
Keep up the good work!
Congrats to Megan and her friends for their triumph!
Oh Stephanie – good for you, keeping your priorities clear, whilst pulling off the SS2009 as well. And hugs to Joe for being such a perfect match for you!
I always turn into a complete mush ball when I see my daughters accomplish amazing things. 🙂 Good job at getting pictures too – my eyes would have been too filled with tears of pride to focus the camera…
thanks for sharing such a fabulous moment in your life.
and Congrats to Megan – we’re all proud of her.
absolutely the right decision! it’s wonderful that you could be there to celebrate with your family and friends. i am so delighted for meg, pato and ken. joe rocks. and so do you!
i agree with the rest of the blog – that was truly a tear jerker. maybe because it was filled with love.
Thank you for sharing a beautiful story. I too had tears in my eyes as I read. What a wonderful experience to share with everyone there.
YOU were in the right place.
Congratulations to Meg, Pato, Ken, Joe and you.
Now you’ve made me come over all teary…
I lost my cousin to AIDS in 1991. Tell Meg we all thank her and the others for their hard work.
HOORAY!! I am so glad you chose to meet the riders! all of them. ack I am also all teary YES thanks for sharing all that and this and the other thing
huggz from Portland
The most inspiring blog post ever. You so made the right choice to go. Of source being a mum comes first. And now Sock Summit is infused with all that energy and love and positive empowerment. Hurrah for Meg and Pato and Ken and all their comrades. And hurrah for you and Joe who are such wonderful parents. See you in a few days . . .
I hereby nominate Joe as husband of the year, exceptional Dad and all round dude.
huggz also to Joe from Portland
I was also moved by this story and photos. But I am also amazed that you take the time to write this on your blog so we can share this with you. I am again amazed if you take the time to read all of the comments.
That was so sweet…..I read that post thinking about my four year old daughter one day doing something so heartfelt and strong and it made me cry.
You must be so very proud of her.
OMG I’m bawling. I feel like I was there! Awesome kids, congratulations.
Now that was a wonderful blog! I feel like you have kick started my day into one of the best ever. Lucky Meg to have a mom like you. (and Joe is the best!!!!)
Yay! Tears to my eyes, and good choice! Go Meggie!
At least I am not the only one with tears in her eyes. Congrats all around and you sefinately did the right thing driving up there.
And, were you wearing clean pants when you met Ms. Medina??
What a beautiful story. It made me cry too. I just had a little daydream of my 4-year-old girl doing something amazing like that one day and my being there to cheer for her. Congratulations on having such a wonderful girl and being such a great mother.
There’s no way SS09 is ever going to be more important than your fam and something like Meg doing that ride and seeing her ‘rents at the end of it.
I would have been very disappointed with you had you chosen the Sock Summit over Meg. Sock Summits will come, and Sock Summits will go, you will have many opportunities to do them over the years. But you will never be able to repeat the magic of this moment in your daughter’s life.
I am speechless over how awesome this is!
you totally made the right call, mummy. I’m filing this away for future similar decisions — the dice should pretty much always fall on the kid side. written with a tear-streaked face . . .
Good call, Mum! These are the times LIFE is made of! Congrats on training Joe to be your partner and follower (this time). You definitely made the right decision to drive to Montreal. Meg will remember this day for the rest of her life!
~~~ ~~ ~ Wavin’ from the Jersey Shore ~~~ ~~ ~
In 2 weeks I will be driving halfway across the USA to see my son graduate from basic training. I know exactly how you feel. Well done to all.
P.S. Joe deserves a private cruise on the good ship hellofaguy when SS09 is over. (Right before you start planning for SS10. I’ll buy the post-its.)
Congrats to Meg, Pato & Ken for doing this amazing ride, and to you & Joe, and Pato & Ken’s parents too, for making such great people. My eyes teared up before the end of the first paragraph!
Good job all! The riders, the bright and clever MUM, and the ever patient Joe!
All of us at SS09 will have a marvelous time and not one would have wanted to be a part of you missing this very important passage.
Wow. Also copping to the teary eyes…Thanks for sharing this with us! HOORAY to the riders – a big cheer for Joe, too! And as someone getting geared up for SS09 – moments like this are what draws people to you, and gets us excited about what you do, and it’s who you (and the rest of ST-1 & ST-2) ARE (not the post-it notes, however crucial they may be) that’s going to rock Portland.
You’re a great mom. And Joe is one special dad/husband. Here’s to you both. :O)
Go Meg!!! And Pato! And Ken! And you two for making it to Montreal in time to surprise them!
You must be crazily proud. This post has me bawling.
Thanks so much for sharing your life with us all.
Thank you so much for being such a great Mom. Thank you for sharing this story and thank you for meeting Meg at the finish line. You’re such a great person, it’s no wonder Meg has grown up into another great person for our country.
Great big tears are running down my cheeks as I read this entry knowing how proud you must feel about your Meggie! It’s a wonderful thing to see our children grow into responsible adults who do such wonderful things. Now I have to go blow my nose! LOL!
OK…that did it. I’ve started my day in tears! Motherly pride is an enormous thing and you clearly have it in spades! (Me too, so I understand!) And as a Meggie and Pato supporter all I can say is I’m so glad I supported them and WAY TO GO KIDS!
It took me 15 minutes to read this post because I couldn’t make the words out through the tears. All I can say is WOW!
Oh my goodness that made me cry. Congrats to Meg and you and Joe and wow.
I will totally cop to tearing up when you wrote about her shouting “Mummy!”
Well done Megan! You should be very proud of what you and your friends have accomplished.
Cheers to Meg, Pato and Ken! And cheers to you and Joe for raising such a wonderful daughter and showing up to greet her at the finish line.
Such a happy post, it made me tear up a little! I think it’s amazing that you made the trip… and even more amazing that you were able to work on the way!
How inspiring! Thanks for sharing this. Congratulations to everyone, including Mom and Dad. You guys went through your own little marathon to get there as well.
That was so lovely it made me cry! I may be pre-menstrual but thats not the point, I’m so glad you went to meet her, it clearly meant alot to you both!
Congratulations to all! So glad to hear you got to go…a very proud moment!
I am always surprised at the posts that make me cry. I’m not a mom, but oh! It’s obvious that there are incredible moments. You done good. And your taste in husbands rivals mine!
I had goosebumps. Seriously.
OK, this post had me crying! You must be so proud you could burst. Congrats to your three on quite the accomplishment! And YES, you did the absolute right thing! Trust your instincts.
Hip Hip Hooray
Hip Hip Hooray
Hip Hip Hooray
Awesome, really totally awesome.
I’m so glad you went! “Mummy!” says it all. So proud of Meg for the race and you for raising such a wonderful daughter. 🙂
Does Ann Medina knit?
WOW! Just wow! And I bet taking that “break” will help all else come together that much faster because you stopped and listened and fed that need.
Tell them congratulations. What a great experience.
See, now aren’t you doubly glad that you bought a car?! Road trips are the best, especially surprise ones.
cool and well done
RESOUNDING YAY! I can’t imagine your pride! This is truly wonderful. High fives all around to Meg, Pato and Ken! (And you guys, for driving out there!)
Awesome kid – awesome boyfriend and friend. Awesome, awesome parents. You all rock and I’m so happy for the whole lot of you.
Now – no more making me cry until after Sock Summit – okay?
Way to go Mom,
My baby is in Guatemala the last 10 days, painting a orphanage and teaching English, Megan 18. I understand. Se you at the Summit!
Congrats to Meg, Pato and Ken! You did exactly the right thing. Sock Summit is a wonderful thing, but you’ll have the moment with Meg forever, and so will she. Yay for kids who grow into good people!
Steph, as much as I adore you as a knitter and as a writer, I love you most as a “mummy”.
I hope to meet you & get a fangirl photo at the SS, if I can find you in the halls!
: D
– Denise (aka dlotter on ravelry)
my heart was actually racing as i read through the part of you trying to find the finish line and ok, so i was misting over by the end… what a moment of greatness. sigh
Awesome! Truly.
Congrats to the intrepid riders. (And my guess is that Tina might have done the same had she been in your shoes!)
This brought back so many memories for me! When my daughter (Stephanie) was 15, she did a bike trip from Disneyland (California) to Disney World (Florida). She raised over $11,000 for the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute in Boston and my husband & I flew to Florida to see her finish the trip. What a fantastic experience that was for all of us. It was life-changing for her and we were so proud of her accomplishment. Congrats to you and Meg!
My own little girl is struggling with insecurity in her new job. I’m so proud for you and Megaboo. What a sweet moment. You’ve done a great job in raising her. With a Mummy like you, how could she not be great???
Marvelous post. I had tears in my eyes. Good luck with the Sock Summit.
Wow, this is an incredible story. What a GREAT husband and daughter you have!
So excited to see you Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday! I’m sure the Summit will be FABULOUS, no matter what — so give yourself a little knitting break, okay?
You chose wisely. 🙂
Sock Summits come and go but our children are precious. Congratulations on your wonderful girl-woman.
You have made my mummy heart burst into tears. Good job kids (I mean grown-ups!)
Oh yay!! What a great accomplishment for Meg and her friends, and what a wonderful thing you did, too. You gave everyone a moment to remember for a lifetime.
Hoo boy! I couldn’t help it…I just let out a little sob when I read that you found her and she called you mummy….good times!
Great mom choice! Congrats to Meg and all the other riders! Just one question…why isn’t Ann Medina holding a sock?
Congrats to Meg et al, and kudos to Joe too. Give yourself a pat on the back, for managing to not only be a great mom but also working in the Sock Summit duties as well!
And can I meet Ann Medina’s Phil? Hubba, hubba!
I cried when I read this- what a wonderful thing to see as a mom. I’ve been thinking a lot over the past week or so, about you, Stephanie the Yarn Harlot. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and I have to say, that there are a lot of things we might not agree on. You’re vegetarian, I’m an omnivore. You’re (I’m not sure) religion-wise and I’m Catholic. You seem to lean a bit left in the political sphere, and I tend to lean a bit right. And so forth. So why do I find you so wonderful to read, why do I really care how you are? Because you basically wish everyone well, you have good will and you really care how you live your life. When I read your blog, I see the adventures of everyman and everywoman, that which links us all, regardless of our political leanings or food habits or philosophies. When you rejoice in your children, I rejoice with you. When you are so frustrated by bureaucracy you could scream, I’m ready to make noise along with you. When you speak of your love for your friends, I remember how much I love mine and how precious they are.
So thank you Stephanie, for opening your life and heart to your readers and being brave enough to be yourself, in all your moments, good and bad.
Mary E
O geez now you’ve gone and made me cry again.
First lump in my throat was when you wrote about Joe; then the riders coming in. Then the Megaboo and how proud you are of her.
Congrats to all the wonderful riders!!!!
Stop making me get all teary-eyed when I’m supposed to be packing for my trip 😉 congrats to Meg and the other riders!
That was such a lovely post that I got tearful.
You go, Harlot! Your post brought me to tears. What an awesome family you all are! Thanks for sharing with all of us. You are truly an inspiration, not just for your knitting and your writing, but for your parenting!
Congratulations to Meg, Pato and Ken!!! And priorities….yours are in the right place Stephanie. See you Thursday.
I was going to make a comment about how I have to stop reading your posts until after I give birth because I’m too hormonal and you keep making me cry, but then I scanned the other posts and saw I wasn’t alone! Turns out you’re just a fantastic writer and an obviously equally fantastic mother, based on how wonderful your kids are turning out. Congrats to you and your daughter, her friend and Ken on a wonderful accomplishment!
Congrats to all.
Did the sock come with you to Montreal?
Bravo!! You guys rock, all the way around. 🙂
Look, you’ve got nearly 400 comments, but I have to say, as a mother, that was a beautifully touching post. Your daughter is as awesome as you are. Way to frickin go, both of you!
Love this story. You are such a good mummy. I have a 19 year old too. When she calls me mummy, she is happy to see me. When she says ‘mom’ and its somehow 3 syllables long – she isn’t so happy to see me.
I love this I have a little girl and I hope that when she grows up she cares about the world and not just herself. I cried a little and smiled alot.
This made me cry a little in a totally good way. Good for Ken, Pato, Meg and you and Joe.
Dang it, I started tearing up when you said they were coming round the corner. Then when you described the moment when your daughter saw you, I was in full tears. And wiped my eyes with bug-spray-covered hands.
You’ve done it right, this child-rearing thing. I hope to do half as well.
And now I’m crying. 🙂 Good on ALL of you, Mum and Dad, too. You have raised amazing children who have amazing friends.
You are an awesome mother & an awesome business-woman & I admire you very much!
Last post you were (albeit, lightly) ranting about the difficulties being a woman professional and the barriers you were facing…. then Ann Medina… all to yourself. Beautiful. As you celebrate your daughter woman, as she conquers her latest trial. Truly poetic.
Holy cow – Ann Medina! She rocks. Too bad you didn’t have “the sock” with you.
Some days – okay, most of them – I am terrified to be raising a daughter. Then there are days, like today, where I read something like this, and I think, “Some day that could be my girl.” And that is an amazing feeling.
Congratulations on being the kind of mom who raises the kind of daughter who inspires the rest of us to be better moms. (Or something like that.)
I knew you couldn’t stay away!
Is it just me or does “Ann Medina’s Phil” look an awful lot like Michael Phelps? Maybe all tall skinny young men look like that when they shave their heads?
Good job, Meg…. and Joe…. and Steph. I’m looking forward to leading a standing ovation in Portland…omginthreedays!
Hooray for the three Rider-teers!! or would it be Bike-teers?? One for all, and all for one!
Stephanie, I was right there with you through the whole post. Married as I am to the Captain of the Good Ship Hellofaguy, Texas division, I’m always thrilled to know that other good people have that good fortune.
Not for the first time, it’s clear that you have a beautiful, beautiful family. Way to go, Meg!
Aww. I cried as I read this. Sometimes people are the most wonderful things on earth. This is one of those times. ‘Scuse me while I blow my nose. sob.
Awesome. Simply awesome.
Isn’t it amazing how sometimes our kids manage to be more than kids, and impress the hell out of us? And in the process, remind us they are growing up? (admittedly, sometimes I need such reminders…) I can feel your buttons justifiably popping off, Harlot. Congrats to you, your DH and your daughter—you’ve all done good!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Oh I’m so excited for you! As if I was really there-
J
Sniff, sniff – naughty woman, you’ve made me cry! Seriously, you should very, very proud of your amazing daughter – I hope mine grows up to be just as strong and beautiful
Your finding Meg in the crowd of people reminds of the day we went to our sons graduation from the US Marine Corp boot camp.
Doesn’t is make you proud
Robin
You made me cry. I can’t skein if I’m crying (but yay for Meg).
I’ll see you later this week. I’ll be the one still crying, with bits of yarn trailing from her clothing. And no pants.
Now THAT is a tried-and-true Best. Mom. Moment. Ever. Congratulations to Meg, Pato & Ken!
Just wanted to add my congratulations to everyone’s. This was such a sweet story. It inspires me as I work on my own unfinished little people. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am with you. I would have been tossing it back and forth and the be jumping in the car to get there in time. My hubby would have rolled his eyes and started saying something like “but you said . . . ” all while getting his keys.
Of course, then, at the end, he would have said “so why are you crying?”
You made me cry just thinking about this Mom thing. Congratulations to all.
Ah, gee, Steph. Now my eyes are filling with tears. B/c there’s nothing like a proud Momma – doing exactly the right thing to support her chick.
Good for you! And sending you hugs that you don’t feel too stressed about SS09. Tina will understand, I’m sure.
See you soon!
(((hugs)))
Awesome, Steph.
Moms (and “mummy”s do what they need to do for their kids. I am missing Sock Summit because my daughter developed preeclampsia on Wednesday and my first grandbaby was born more than 9 weeks early on Saturday. My daughter needs me here, (whether she knows it or would admit it) and I wouldn’t dream of leaving her and that sweet, tiny 2 lb. 5 oz baby McKenna behind and going to knit socks, no matter how much I wanted to be in Portland tomorrow through Sunday as planned.
WTG on giving your daughter a moment she will treasure even more, now that you and Joe were there to see her finish the ride. I’ll miss you this week! Have a blast. You have more than earned it!
Congratulations!
(you just made me force-swallow a couple of tears)
Congratulations to all! I have done several of these type of rides (for juvenile diabetes), and they are, indeed, awesome. I always, ALWAYS, cry when I cross the finish line. This time, I cried just reading about your little Meggie crossing the finish line. You absolutely positively without a doubt made the right decision to be there. Good job, Mummmy!
Congratulations! I’m so grateful for all that all the riders did, for you sharing the experience with us, and the reaffirmation of the goodness, courage, and generosity of people. VREDE en VREUGDE Linda
You made an excellent choice!
Well done to everyone. Some days you are just so proud of your children you can and do cry. It’s worth remembering on the days when they make you cry for other reasons.
Oh Stephanie! This made me tear up. I am looking at my 6 mo old baby and knowing we will have moments like this too. Awesome job! Congrats Megan!
Awww, thanks for the good cry on a Monday morning!
:O)
I started to cry when I got to the part where Megan yelled ‘mummy’ — hey, you’re never too old to love your parents. Way to go Megan, Pato and Ken.
Totally worth the trip and everything you did to get there! Congrats to everyone!
Wow! This is great. I’m glad that you chose to be at the finish line. The good people will understand and the not so good people wouldn’t be satisfied regardless, so here’s to being a good mother!
Oh you have made me cry – at work no less. I know you are proud of your girl!
Congrats, Meg! I can’t believe you did that on *flat bars*; that’s even more impressive. I don’t think I would have made it on that long of a ride without drops!
If anyone–anyone!–wants to diss the Yarn Harlot, her mothering, her priorities, her beliefs, or anything else about her, they got a lot of other people to take on at the same time. What a wonderful post, by wonderful people, about wonderfulness.
Your blog is the only one that makes me alternately tear up or crack up on a regular basis.
Thanks for ever sincere word.
Mari
Woo hoo! So proud of them – congrats to everyone!
Oh gosh I teared up completely (in the middle of the open plan office!) reading this! Congratulations to Meg, Pato and Ken, and all the riders!
Lovely 🙂 Congrats to them and to you for making the right decision!
Go ahead, make me squirt a few wet and salties first thing at work Monday morning. Geeeeze!!!
YOU ARE THE BEST MOM EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Proof is in the puddin’ (and in the chillinz, and in the summit, and in the projects…)
Good for you. 🙂 Well done.
brought tears to my eyes – good on you Meg!
yay mom for being there to celebrate her success
As one mother to another – you made me all teary at how proud you must be.
Kudos to all the riders and for you and Joe driving out to see her finish…having done bike rides before, there is nothing better than seeing a loving face as you cross the finish line!!!
Oh man – I’m all teary at my desk at work. That’s so great that Meg was part of such a wonderful thing and you were there to surprise her. Glad you made it. And congrats to all!!
Horray!!!!!
Super cool. That is just AWESOME!! Congrats to everyone. This — everything about this — makes me smile. Thanks.
Sock summits will come and go… and this one will come off perfectly.. but our children are the most important people in the world, as you already know. Great decision on your part – Meg will remember that moment for her entire life!!! And is it any wonder she’s such a fantastic kid when she’s got Joe for a Dad and you for her mom? May you all receive a special blessing for your love and caring for your family, people with AIDs, and people in general!! Way to go!! I’m really proud of all of you for the choices you make and the life you live!!
What a heartwarming post! Congratulations to Meg, Pato & Ken. And Joe? Priceless.
Beautiful, perfect Monday morning post! Thank you, and thank you to Meg, Pato and Ken. 🙂
Only a Mum could know those feelings. Your story brought tears to my eyes.
Way to go Meggie, Pato & Ken!! Being a mum comes first, always. You made me cry too…..
AWESOME accomplishment, and a story that brought a tear to my eye
Aw, congratulations on raising such a great girl! I know, as a 22 year old, that I would have LOVED to have my mom show up and surprise me at something like that, so you did the right thing! Congratulations to your daughter and to you and Joe. 🙂
You should be proud. Congratulations on raising a great brood & congratulations to Meg, Ken & Pato for a great accomplishment!
I’m all teary eyed. what a great story. I’m so happy for the whole darn bunch of you.
You have every right to be proud. You are a great mother and you are right–you have a great husband. You are a lucky woman all around–plus you make great socks. Good luck with the summit.
awww I’ve been having a whole jumble of “where are my priorities” thoughts, and this little story made my day. thanks!
De-lurking to say congrats to Meg, Ken and Pato. What a great way to make a difference!
Stephanie – Please pass this on to your Meggie
Dear Meggie,
On behalf of someone who lost a dear friend to AIDS, I would like to thank you for all your effort in the past few months. You are very lucky to be living in a world (and with a family) where a person LIVING with AIDS is someone you want to help, not shun.
When I was your age, my friend was one of the first to die from AIDS related complications. We were not allowed to say how he died. His family virtually erased him from their history.
Before he died, he asked his friends who knew, to do something to help, just in case others caught this awful disease.
When Casey House opened, we sent a donation. It was all we could do at the time.
23 years later, it is gratifying to see young people like you publicly raising money to help people living with AIDS.
Thank you.
Can’t help thinking that having you and Joe waiting to surprise her at the finish line told Megan more about how proud you are of her than anything you have said or written.
Bravo, Megan, Pato, and Ken.
And Bravo, Mum.
Congratulations to you and Joe for doing the hard work of parenting in a way that produces a child like Meg, and for forming the sort of relationship that makes a last minute drive to the finish a reasonable thing. Congrats to Meg, Ken, and Pato for following through with the hard work that makes a noble inspiration come true.
Reading this just put the biggest lump in my throat (my coworkers think I’m crazy as it is). Congratulations Meg, Ken and Pato and to you and Joe too 🙂
How wonderful for you guys to be at the finish line! As far as Sock Summit goes, “every little thing’s gonna be alright…”
OK, you did it, you made me cry. The whole mother love thing just got me. Congratulations to Meg, and to you for raising an extraordinary young woman.
Wow. You’ve moved me with your writing a hell of a lot over the year, but this is the first time you made me cry.
Wow. Thank you all who participated.
I’m going to Sock Summit. I’m a mom. You did the right thing!
Gah! You made me all misty and teary-eyed here at work. Great. Curse you Harlot!
But even I’m busting with pride and Meg, Pato, and Ken.
Way to go guys!
Wow, that was great! Kudos to Cap’n Joe for supporting you in your time of need.
OK, not sure if any of the rest of you have noted the obvious, but: how hot was the nice-looking fellow giving Meg a lift?!? You go, Girl!! (In the nicest and most platonic way, of course–such gorgeousness has still gotta bring a smile to a gal’s face) =)
Congratulations to them all! Now, that’s gotta be worth choosing over the Sock Summit (worthy as that cause is, too)!
I was waiting for the finish line photos! So glad you were there to take them.
And yes Ann Medina is very cool – I concur that it is too bad you didn’t have a sock with you for a photo op (but the beer is pretty classic).
The Sock Summit team sounds completely unstoppable – you are going to have a blast once it gets going.
Do you have a cottage booked for the week afterwards? I hope you can then just flake out, knit, read and eat without deadlines.
Lisa in Toronto
You made me cry! Hurray to all the riders and all the Harlot family and friends. And to moms everywhere. You made the right choice (choose from the many you’ve made and fill in the smile)!
You made me cry! I’m feeling totally inspired by the selflessness and determination of your young daughter and friends. In fact, I’m no athlete, but I’m looking for a charity 5k to do. I need to give back! Thanks for the inspiration.
I am going to say, from one mom to another, that you have a terrific family. I’m not unrealistic when I say this because I silently relish in your posts when you are dealing with “typical” family stuff that we all face daily.
And Megan is wonderful. But that doesn’t just happen one day, you know. She’s watched you and Joe not just say what you believe but act upon those beliefs. She’s seen that people can make a difference and come together to change the world like the bike ride. You’re a do-er and now have raised fine one, too.
But there is another thing that has happened through this whole experience with Megan. She is not moritified to be with you in public – that HUGE! I had this realization with my daughter when she was 18 (she’s 20 now) and it’s a wonderful thing. Enjoy it – I know I am. Again, I’m realistic because it’s not all rosey all the time, but it’s a new level.
THE PERFECT STORM!!!!!!!!!!!!
–our children taking up a worthy cause
—our efforts to support them
—- acceptance of one another
and
MUTUAL LOVE XXXXXX
So glad you made it there on time! Congrats to all those intrepid bikers.
That story brought tears to my eyes. Thrills, chills, suspense, humor. It had it all.
You and Joe deserve to be very proud of your grown-up daughter. And drink a toast to yourselves as parents. Ya done good.
Great Post, wonderful story-telling.
Isn’t a good man something, no explanations, no talking something to death, just action!
Meg, Pato, and Ken, you know what you all did, and it was grand! Congratulations all of you. I can’t imagine how exciting those last 10K must have been. Chills.
And, Meg? You probably didn’t notice, what with being a humanitarian and like that, but were there some great-looking men on that ride or what??? I won’t even mention the Adonis holding you on his shoulder.
Best choice, hands down. Your daughter will always remember that you were there for her. And so will you.
Yup.
This post is exactly why you should be proud of who you are, and how you should know that you are beloved by way, way, way, way, way more people than there are nut jobs out there who can be a little scary. I just cried when reading your post ~ my kids are 3 and 4 now and I can’t imagine a time when they’ll be old enough to do something like this, but I am looking forward to it (even though it freaks me out a bit). Thank you for sharing who you are and your lovely family and all the lovely things you do. You’re the best.
Another teary eye here! That’s amazing, and you so totally have the right priorities!!
Bravo Megan, Pato and Ken! Good choice Mom. Wait to go, Joe!
Thank you for sharing such a heart-warming story.
To Meg, Pato & Ken: Awesome! Thanks for helping to make the world a better place!
And to you and Joe: Way to go! Was there really any doubt but that you’d be there?
Congrats to all the riders and especially to your three!
Hey, were there gold shirts? Hope you got pics of that, too.
I love it! After a couple years of feeling as though, every time I called my son at college, I was interrupting some terribly fun and important event, I had a similar moment. I called, the phone stopped ringing, and the first word I heard? “MOMMY!!” It made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Congrats to all the cyclists!!
Thank you for bringing me along on this wonderful ride. I cried at the finish line also. What a great daughter, beau, friend, Mummy and Joe. Each of you are really shinning brightly in my book. Thank you again.
Congratulations to all of you = the great husband, the Mom who made the right choice, and the riders. Your post brought Mom tears to my eyes and I’ve never met any of you.
Jane
*sniffle*
HOORAY!
Huzzah! 3 cheers for Meg, Pato and Ken (and all the other riders) – they did a great thing. And you had me tearing up with this post.
three cheers are not enough for what you 5 (including you and Joe) did, not to forget Amanda and Sam, and all the friends and family, both those that know them and those, like me, that only think we know them.
I don’t cry easily, and certainly not at work, but this made me choke up.
If my kid is half of what Meg and Pato have become, I’ll be a happy Mom.
Boy, I got a little emotional there at the end. Great pictures, wonderful people, great cause! Meg, Ken, & Pato, good job, good job!
The post made me cry, a happy cry. As a mother I completely feel what your describe. Its wonderful and congratulations, mom! And we would all choose our little ones over the big events, even Sock Summit (but see you there).
Aw Stephanie, what are you doing making me cry at work! I feel so proud for you, what an awesome accomplishment!
That made me cry.
O.k. now I’m all teary eyes. That’s wonderful.
As a mom and a knitter all I can say is “you rock!” I wish I had read stuff like this when I was raising my kids; I would have done a better job giving them a higher priority. We’re okay now but it could have been so much better for them.
Ok, now my 5 year old is wondering why I’m crying! How wonderful Steph. Fill up your heart til it bursts with love and pride kinda wonderful.
Let her know, yet another crazy knitter, loves her for her tenacity and good will!
Stephanie:
Your post from the 25th brought me to tears from anger and despair… this post has brought me to tears, again, but of joy – for you, your family, the fabulous bike trio and their new friends.
You’ll never go wrong by following your heart – which shows through your books, and your posts, and the life that you choose to share with us all. Kudos to you, your daughter, and your mom, too, for making the world a little brighter for everyone along the way.
As for Joe – hey, buy that man some beer – or something…My husband is the best ever, but I can still appreciate a true class act.
Just sayin – Light, love, respect, peace, namaste.
Awesome! And Joe? Totally a hell of a guy! You probably needed that wee little break anyway. 🙂
congratulations!! to you, and the lovely lovely young woman you brought up (and her companions, of course!).
this made me cry, esp the part about her calling – Mummy!! I think we all dread the day they won’t be overjoyed to see us. May it never come…. what a wonderful story!!
Aw, now I’m all teary. *sniff* 😀
You will not EVER regret that choice.
that post made me cry! by the Mummy! bit I’d even moved into the sore ache in your throat kind of stage. I thibk it’s wonderful you did what you did and I’m sure it’s partly that you are the kind of person who would do that with a work deadline coming that Meg is such a fantastic person too. An dthankyou for sharing because so often these kinds of events get swept into the whirl of life. I send best wishes that everything goes well and that you have some sleep time on the horizon.- I saw your book in Wellington Nz yesterday and smiled 🙂
I’m sure the sock summit is important an all, but family definitely comes first!
You are a great Mum! Where’s my kleenex?
Oh yeah, Joe – you’re the best!
Whoot! Congratulations to all–Megan, Pato, Ken!
And awesome driving Joe.
I know I’m late to the blog and you are in Portland running like crazy, but…
Wow! Just wow! What a beautiful story. It had me tearing up along with everyone else. What a totally great crew you are surrounded with: Joe (what a super guy!), Rachel for helping you with – everything, and your wonderful, beautiful daughter. Totally inspirational.
And then I wondered, Ann Medina? (me very bad with names) so I clicked on the link, and when I saw her face, could immediately hear her remarkable voice in my head (way to go, Joe, for knowing her name!) and when I read her bio I’m like…. Wow! Double Wow! What an incredible woman. How COOL is it that such an incredible woman should just step into the world of the Incredible Yarn Harlot. The planets were aligned in a very special way. It can’t have been a coincidence.
All the best in Portland – wish I could be there. And I know that after all is said and done on Sunday – and was wildly successful by everyone’s standards — you will be so glad that you made the trip to Montreal. Best choice ever.
OK, so I rarely comment on this blog (though I read every entry!) but wanted to let you know that this made me choke up. I can’t imagine what it would be like if I’d done something like this and crossed to finish line to see my mom there. You kind of super rock. It was totally the right choice – I’d put down money that your Meggie will always remember it. 🙂
AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing. I have tears in my eyes.
You rock as a mom no doubt about it. And your husband is one heck of a guy. I’m looking for his clone you know… But really, you had me crying for your daughter who is turning out to be a wonderfull human being, just like her parents.
I love this story, all of it, and I really love the fact that sometimes our inner five year old becomes our outer five year old. I told this story to my beloved six year old and she thought it was lovely too.
Way to go – inspiring when so many whinge about how selfish the young people are today. Great kids great parents and all hail to teh post it note!
Steph,
Thanks for sharing with us! This one made me cry a little! And I agree about your Joe! I am lucky enough to have my husband Joe who is much like yours. Not sure how you and I hit the husband lottery, but isn’t it lovely! What a great moment to have in the midst of Sock Summit.
As a mom, I have also had a few golden moments of overwhelming pride, where you and your daughter are the only meaningful elements in the world, distantly swirling around you both. Your beautifully rendered tale of realization, travel and triumph is so heartfelt — I find myself sitting here with tears of joy and memory in my eyes. Thanks for that. Now, like you, I put that event in its special place and trundle off to work….
I cried when I read this. If my 8-year-old walked in right now, I would be hard-pressed to explain to him why. I’m so happy for you, and you know that your priorities in the right order!
First of all, this is so awesome, even though you made me tear up at work. Congrats to your 3 riders!
Second of all, as soon as I read the name “Ann Medina” I heard her voice in my head. So cool that you met her!
Third, your Joe is definitely a Hellofaguy… He should teach a course. Can I sign my Boy up? he’s on his way but could use some pointers.
I got a little teary reading this. So lovely. Congrats to Meg and Pato and all the riders. And yes, it is perfectly acceptable to choose your child over the summit. You’re 100% forgiven!
Wasn’t going to cry, but dude, you got me with the “MUMMY!”
What an awesome experience for everyone, and the army of blue must really have been something to see. Having done the AIDS ride many years ago, I remember that heart-swelling feeling of riding in to the finish all together. Rock on, Megan & Co., you took it on and made it. Congratulations!
Hi there 🙂
I also did the Bike Rally this year, it was my first time, and I had the pleasure of meeting your daughter. What a beautiful person. She told me about enroling in Film Studies at York, and in her modesty said, “I hope I can do it.” I told her that she’d be just FINE.
Thanks for raising such a great kid – great post and photos too. 🙂
Matty
Man, I must be tired from moving and everything else… But this brings tears to my eyes… I’m so happy you chose meeting Meg at the finish, I’m sure it meant the world to her, and good on her for going through all that!
You and the people you have made, love and met are pretty damn awesome. I have tears in my eyes, thank you.
Oh, lordy. You made me cry.
What a wonderful thing/event/post.
I’m another mummy wiping away tears at this story. What wonderful people you all are – Stephanie, you definitely made the right choice, you know that of course. And Joe, for driving and making it all possible for you, and the riders! What they have done is amazing, what a lady you have raised! I wish I could hug you and buy you all a beer.
Hope SS09 was also a blast!
All of that, and my favorite part was the hubby part! All the crazy fun SS stuff going on and you were sweet to remember to thank the hubby, and it sounds like he deserved it 🙂 Kudos to the hubby for helping you get through a stressful (but fun) trip!
Dear Stephanie,
I’m sure this comment will get lost in the avalanche of others already posted, but I had to write anyway. I just read your August 1 post, and it moved me to tears, and I just had to say, that’s why I read your blog. I’m not the greatest knitter; I’m not passionate about it like so many others who read and post. So, it’s not necessarily the knitting that gets me to keep coming back–but the writing. It’s the compassion and humanity of your posts that makes me want to read more. The “every day-ness” of a person kind of like me but in some ways not who is writing down their life, for everyone to see, and bringing the grace of everyday struggles to light. Thanks very much for your words. I can’t think of a better gift.