In celebration...

[DRGSin393]

I deliberated long and hard before typing out this post, esp in titling it. Although this anniversary marks the lowest point in the Bergs' lives and is a reminder of the loss that was felt by the many whom had come to love, respect and appreciate Garrett, I want to take this a different direction. Id like to celebrate what this young man brought to the world and what he continues to bring long after that fateful day.

Personally, I never met Garrett or even knew of him until I inadvertently ran into Thumpertalk, where the many lives he had touched, were shocked by his passing a few days after the fact. What drove me to TT is still a mystery, since Ive never owned a 4S in my life or even had the desire to own one. I read what seemed to be endless accounts of praises bestowed upon him by people across the country, even the world. The more I read, the more compelled I was to find out more about this man that had the gift of touching so many lives in a positive way. In fact, I remember questioning whether or not I had made a difference to the lives of others myself. As I probed deeper, I was shocked and amazed to find out that this was only a kid. Here was someone that had turned the whole board upside down. Here was someone that had the engineering prowess of a trained professional. More importantly, here was someone that readily, and willingly shared his information with anyone that needed it. Here was someone that was just a teenager.

Months later, I once again, found myself aimlessly wandering the internet and running into ATM. As many have, I found it odd that alot of people sported the 393 after their names and as many have, I questioned this. I was directed to the GMB section and more specifically, to Mr Berg's letter to his son. Right away it struck me who Motoman393 was and I was dumbfounded that my life's path would once again cross with this young man. After spending hours going thru the posts, I found it difficult and unready to conquer "the Letter". I remember laying awake in bed that evening thinking about the full circle I had travelled.

Our lives took a devastating turn around that time. My wife lost her little brother and best friend to an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 32. This was the first loss that hit close to home for both of us and her family's world was turned upside down. My father in law ceased to exist in almost all sense of the word. He withdrew from his family and from life in general. He shut himself off from the outside world and existed only in a sort of self induced coma. What was once a closely knit family became distanced and isolated.

As seems to be the theme of my journey, for no apparent reason, I found myself ready to tackle "the Letter" late one evening. Mr Berg's emotions hung thick on every word he wrote. I travelled with him on his journey, almost as if I were there, by his side. To be honest, I wasnt struck by his pain and suffering or by the love or deep sense of loss he felt. What father wouldnt have? What struck me was where this devastation had led him. How at one point, for whatever reason, he decided, or it was decided for him, that Garrett's memory would not be confined to hurt and sadness within the Bergs, but would instead be used as a vehicle to help the families of others that would undergo such a tragic loss. Here was a man that was forced to question his existence, his will to continue and his faith, and he stood tall in the face of such uncertainty. Just the polar opposite of my father in law. I never stood in judgement of my father in law, I just needed to understand where Mr Berg found his strength. That was my first GMB.

That was also the GMB where the GMB foundation was instrumental in helping Cody and his family attend. Needless to say, my life was forever changed from that day forward. I hugged my kids a little longer, I tried to focus more on their successes and dwell a little less on their shortcomings and appreciated them for what they were, not as I wished them to be. Dont get me wrong-I still have a loooong way to go.

Around that time I found my family being challenged by what has been our biggest hurdle. My oldest son sank into a bout of despair and depression, questioning his self worth, his reason for being and his will to live. In his convoluted mind, he came to the conclusion that somehow, we'd be better off without him. Carri and I were on pins and needles during this time. Afraid to leave him alone, cautious of our every word, laying awake at night wondering if we had seen our son for the last time.

One night, as I conversed on ATM about attending that year's GMB and contemplating the previous year's experiences, I decided Id introduce my son to "the Letter". I asked him to read Mr Berg's words so that he could get a clear understanding of what the loss of a child means to a father. I also made the decision that he would attend GMB with me that year so he could experience the legacy of Garrett himself. I wanted him to witness how one seemingly simple and insignificant teenager could change the lives of so many. How one little pebble could initiate a seemingly endless wave of love, respect and honor that radiates across the pond of life. Needless to say he was added to the list as yet another one whose life has forever been touched and changed by the legacy of Garrett.

My next challenge lay in bringing Garrett, Mr. Berg and my father in law together. My hope was that Mr Berg's journey would be an inspiration to help my father in law overcome his despair. Unfortunately, the path he chose after his loss caught up to him before that became a reality and we lost him. In his final days, he and the family found solace in the fact that he would be reunited with his beloved son, once again.

In closing, Id like to say thank you, Mike, for being a shoulder to lean on, for being an ear to talk to and for being a friend. In getting to know you these past few years I have come to realize that indeed, as you state cleanly and simply, youre not a superhuman being. You are just a man that has managed and continues to manage to survive a devastating loss. A man that has found the strength in a higher power and in his family that allows him to "just be there" for the many people that find themselves facing the seemingly insurmountable death of a loved one. Selfishly, even more importantly to me, thank you for making me become a better father and a better person. Unlike my path to you, the leagacy that your beloved son has come to fulfill and the woman your daughter has become and continues to become didnt happen inadvertently. It was planted, nourished and cultivated by you and your wife. Your family is an inspiration to us all. God Bless you.

[pragmatic393]

What an excellent way to respect Garrett and the Bergs on this day. I am 100% sure the experience you shared is one of the miracles that keep Mr. Berg engaged!

Mr. Berg has chosen to spend this day with Garrett in his own special way. He traveled to the Texas Hill Country last night and plans to spend the day on the winding roads of "Gods Country" as we speak. Please keep him in your thoughts and say a prayer to keep him safe!

Godspeed GMB!

[Flash393]

Well put guys, my thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and his family today.

Be safe out there today Mike!

[b-bike393]

Great post from a Great man about an AWESONE young man and the father and family whom we all love and support.

Mike, Suzzett, Shannon, I love you guys. Prayers for all of you today.

[mxmama393]

George I know you always have a great way with words! Thanks for sharing. As always, that was perfectly put.

Special thoughts and prayers to the Bergs.

[DsBabyDoll]

Mike, Suzette & Shannon,

Our thoughts are in Texas today.

Love & Friendship,
Dane, Debbie & Jack

[VAL]

AMEN AMEN

[yzernie]

Very well put George. Mr. Berg has been a friend to many and he is a fine man. I wish I could carry some of his traits.

Godspeed Garrett.

[Satch0922]

Excellent post. Thank you for sharing that, we are honored. Garrett's life has touched so many people in so many ways, including my family.

Mike, Suzette and Shannon, we are thinking about you today and wish you the very best. Thank you again for letting us be part of your family.

Brent

Godspeed Garrett 393!!

[char393]

The Berg family has been in my thoughts today.

Godspeed Garrett.

[Timmy 2 Trak]

I am relatively new to this site and have often wandered who Garrett was. Now after reading Mr. Berg's letter, with tear filled eyes I know. What a wonderful group of people you all are. I will always remember the reason this site exists and will be proud to be a part of it.
My prayers are with you Berg family.

Tim

[crfjedi393]

Well put, Doc. Very well put.

Mr. Berg's choice to share his pain is what touched me. Not only did he share it, he laid it out there in such a personal way that we all felt it deeply. It forced us to second guess how we parent, how we love, and how we live. Thank you Mr. Berg and Godspeed motoman393.

[Macho393]

you was remember today Motoman 393....I often wonder as a machinist, if you put those numbers so often in front of me at work. The number 393 keeps popping up everywhere...and it makes me smile.



I smile because Mike Berg did it right..........which inspires me to do it right.


some of you new folks wonder what right is...............for me its being the good dad.

[ccnut]

George, You are as good with words as you are behind a camera. Garrett and the Bergs were in our hearts and prayers all day today as tough as it was. Garrett, Godspeed Bro, .......Jerry

[Motodad393]

I am humbled by the well wishes, your kind comments and your thoughts and prayers this day. My family also very much appreciated you folks, your friendship, love, support and for having big hearts and truly caring about others. This has been backed by YOUR actions and has resulted in helping many. You folks are the ones who make it happen.

It is 0100 hrs on 9/23/09 and I just got home from a long ride in "G_ds Country" known by others as the Texas Hill country. We rode about 815 miles. Mr. Bazzy and I took off Monday night rode to Kerrville, TX. spent the night. This day that make us remember "That Final Day" was tough this year. About 0400 hrs today it rained like no tomorrow, windy cold. We finally bought rain gear, geared up and headed South on Hwy 16 to Medina, Texas. Rained wet roads. We turned west on Hwy 337 and within 10 miles the roads went from wet to completely dry. It was a very strange thing to have happen. We continued west on 337, North on 336 to Hwy 41 to 335 (roller coaster section ~ 20 miles). The whole loop is about 180 miles of twists, turns, sweepers and 5,000 feet of elevation changes. It is known as "The Three Sisters." Google it and read about it. Streams, rivers, low water crossings, wildlife - G_ds work everywhere. All of the roads were dry. I did not hit rain until I got to Friendswood, TX about 8 miles from home.

I spoke out loud to Garrett as I rode portions of 335 and 337. Teared up quite a few times and smiles too! This was a GREAT way to spend this day.

I am exhausted and drained. Still got to smile, dry roads! Makes me wonder!

Thanks All. We appreciate your thought, prayers and we value your friendship and generous and kind hearts.

[yzernie]

Mike,

I'm pleased to see you had a good ride out in Gods Country. Every one of us, whether we want to admit it or not, needs our own time to ponder, reflect and wonder. Life challanges every one of us in different ways and IMHO it is how we recover from those challanges that defines who we are. You have the support of more people than you know about and that HAS to give you additional comfort.

I, like George and I am sure many other, have learned something from you. I try to take a couple of your lessons back home with me after GMBs and apply them to my life. I'm very sorry and disappointed that I won't be able to be there this year to give you a BIG ole man-hug and to take away and apply more of you in my life.

God bless you, Suzette and Shannon.

Ernie

[Florida 393]

Doc,
Thank you for the words and the thought you just so well put to us. I am glad that Garrett could be a light to you and your son. Mike, I was in prayer all day for you, Suzette and Shannon as the anniversary passed. I hope the ride you got to take was healing and cleansing. You are an inspiration to me in how you carry and conduct yourself.

Regards,
Bill

[Motodad393]

I moved this post from the General Forum to here, because I believe this is where it belongs.

George - I have been contemplating writing about this post since after I first read it. I was in a Yamaha shop in Kerville, TX on 9/22/09. It was raining outside that morning and I was hurting inside. Your post made me cry in the dealership. I must have looked stupid. I ended up sharing ATM with them.

When people are impacted in a postive way like you and your family have been - that is precisely why my family continues to embrace this event/off-road family and to do what we do. Initially, for me embracing this community of off-road riders was a feeble attempt to find a way to survive. It helped me forget "where I was" at least while I was on line. I was trying to learn how to deal with the nightmare reality I found myself facing. I had no instructions.

When I have the privilege to see "grown men" evaluate, change and modify there thinking and back it by actions to be better Dads, Husbands and especially Fathers - that, that make is all worth while.

I have also had high school age children - change their lives by actions for the better. One 17 year called and told me, "Mr. Berg I just read your letter to your son and I realized that my dad could not say the same thing about me." He went on to tell me that he was going to stop drugs, failing his classes and make his parents proud. I told him "great, have you told your parents?" He resonded, "no and I am not going to. They have heard it before, now I want them to see it." About 7 months after this conversation out of the blue, this young mans mother called me and thanked me. I told her, thanks, but that her son was the one who made the CHOICE, backed it by his actions and made the change. We both cried together on the phone. Her son was on the honor role in HS, drug/alcohol free and his parents were proud. He went on and finished college. He rode a 2001 Yamaha YZ 426 - The same kind of bike Garrett rode before his YZ450F.

George, your story has always had a positive and humbling impact on me and my family since the first time you had the courage to share it with me. I realize how much courage it took for you to make this post. Thank you and "Thanks" to the many others who share their stories with me. It is the fuel that makes me do what I do.

For me, sometimes the greatest things a "father" can teach their sons is what not to do. Don't get me wrong, my dad was a good man and a good dad. He taught me honesty, integrity and he gave me a very good work ethic. He taught me the American Dream is real - but that you must work and apply yourself to achieve it. He was also a dyfunctional husband - because of what he saw as a kid. He grew up in the Great Depression and survival was not a sure thing. He became a workaholic" because my Grandfather worked five jobs to support and raise five kids. I remember wanting positive interaction with my dad, usually I received negative comments. I learned in retrospect kids will act and seek "attention from their parents" be it good or bad. For me attention was attention. My actions caused the negative attention. I learned this later in life. We must as Dads, Husbands and men make the "choice" to build on the good from our upbringing and we must also choose not to repeat the dysfunctionality. Learning to develop the "tools" for this is another story.

Anyway, back on track these two stories are just a couple that have been shared with me over the last seven years. It warms my heart when men, women and kids tell me how their life has changed for the positive - after they read some of the things posted on ATM, TT and other places.

I firmly believe that from tragedy there are two and only two 'Paths of Life" that result. (1) Tragedy will take you down and sadly, can be fatal; OR (2) Tragedy will force one to look for good and positive things that can come out of tragedy.

For me, I was lucky - I was unaware of the close nit and loving community of MX'er & Off-road riders. These folks rallied and supported my family like I never even thought possible. The "Legacy" and hora my son had "On-Line" simply blew me away. Garrett was respectful, helpful to others and acted in a very mature manner. He was the same at home as he was "on-line." He was not in it for self edification, but he truly had a desire to help others. These two facts made it easy for me to "jump in and embrace" and try to give back to those who came to support my family during the most horrific time imaginable for any parent.

Share your stories with others as this is a good way to help make a messed up world a better place! Helping have a positive impact on the lives of others is always a good thing - and I personally believe that "it warms the heart of the Almighty" so to speak.

For as I have said before, "success of a man is not measured by our W-2 forms, but rather by what our kids say about us when we are not around." Thanks George for "sharing" openly and more importantly for your courage to make the necessary changes and becoming a "Great Dad!"