GMB VI Afterthoughts.

[crfjedi393]

First and foremost, I want to offer my gratitude to Mike, Suzette, and Shannon for putting up with us each year during this event. I know the pain of losing Garrett is brought to the surface all too frequently without us invading their privacy each October. I can’t help but think how irritating it must be to have that reminder forced upon them rather than just having the little things touch them from time to time that bring his memory to the forefront of their thoughts. Mr. Berg once told me, “My loss is other people’s gain”. That is one of the truest statements I’ve ever heard. I just shake my head at Mike’s humility and know with certainty that all of us as parents hope we don’t face what he has faced. Mike’s words and actions remind so many of us to treasure our families and make the most of our time with them. I don’t have much conflict with my son but I am positively certain that I have even less than I would have if I had never attended a GMB event. It has changed my perspective.
Listening to “the list” this year was really tough. Lots of riders have been added and there will be more in the future. The parents and families of those riders to be added are not yet aware of their loss. All I can say is that we need to spend as much money as it takes to get the best protective gear available. We AREN’T going to stop riding or racing. So let’s be as safe as we possibly can.
It is of great value to me to know that the families of fallen riders gain a bit of solace just knowing that their loved ones are remembered at GMB. Each GMB is special in it’s own way but this year seemed a little more special to me. Maybe it was the weather and the fact that we stuck it out. Maybe it was the new folks I met that are drawn to this cause. Maybe it was the fact that we wore stickers on our helmets in remembrance of the fallen riders. Whatever the reason, GMB VI was an experience that will stick with me. It honestly testifies to the fact that Garrett Michael Berg was a genuinely caring young man that contributed much to the dirt-biking community. He had an impact on countless riders and his loss was felt from Florida to Washington. However, it is just as true that his parents have allowed his legacy to prosper at their own expense. They didn’t have to do that. I plan to make each GMB event I possibly can in the future and look forward to shaking hands with old friends as well as meeting new ones.
This is a great forum and we are growing rapidly. Let us not forget why the forum was created and why we run such a tight ship. Long live the memory of Garrett Berg.

[mxmama393]

Originally Posted by crfjedi393

I know the pain of losing Garrett is brought to the surface all too frequently without us invading their privacy each October. I can’t help but think how irritating it must be to have that reminder forced upon them rather than just having the little things touch them from time to time that bring his memory to the forefront of their thoughts.

Man that is so true!

Thats a very nice post Jedi. Extremely good points!

I wish I could have spent more time riding with you. I'm really sorry the few minutes (or seconds?) I did get to ride with you turned into such a nightmare!
I did learn something... to check my handlebars more often.


Anyway, I'm glad to have met you and I look forward to meeting you again!

Thanks for the reminders above. Valuable stuff!

[yzernie]

A very valid perspective David and thank you!! No matter what I'm doing with my motorcycle(s) Garrett's legacy will gently remind me that life is short and, within reason, I need to enjoy every moment of it. Touching one's heart and soul as Garrett did to me, as well as many others, IMHO demands that his legacy be continued.

Mike, Suzette and Shannon will forever have my respect and admiration for what they do every year by hosting all of us at their home and all of the events of the weekend. I know it has to be tough on them however, the loss of a loved one is never easy. Despite the heartache they suffer, their commitment to the GMB weekends is unmatched. As a parent I cannot fathom the loss of a child. The Berg's wil forever hold a special place in my heart...as do the members of who are commited to Garrett's legacy. And yes, that even includes Sam. God bless the Berg's.

[mxmama393]

Originally Posted by yzernie

And yes, that even includes Sam.

aaawwwwwwwww
how nice!

[yzernie]

Originally Posted by mxmama

aaawwwwwwwww
how nice!

He hasn't replied yet. I must have shocked him!!!

[mxmama393]

well he cant argue with that!

Thats for sure!

Huh Sam

[huskyrider 393]

Originally Posted by crfjedi393

I just shake my head at Mike’s humility and know with certainty that all of us as parents hope we don’t face what he has faced. Mike’s words and actions remind so many of us to treasure our families and make the most of our time with them.

Long live the memory of Garrett Berg.

How very very true.

Since that tragic September weekend five years ago until now I literally break down everytime I think of what a tragedy it took by another family to hit a homerun in my heart about how special my family and the time we enjoy together is to me.

Since early adulthood my pursuit of successful business so my wife doesn't have to work and my children don't have to want had let me become lackadaisical in remembering what's most important in life.
I'd always taken my Faith and Family for granted.

See ya,
Kelly

[b-bike393]

I think here, in this thread is a great place to put the poem I wrote for the GMB Memorial. It strikes to the core of the first GMB as well as why it keeps going.

The Garrett Michael Berg
Remembering Those Who Rode Memorial

===========================================


The impact of the one we lost
On that September day,
Reached untold places in the world
And is why were here today.

The few short years he walked with us
He made sure to impart,
All the joy inside of him
And this came right from his heart.

The calls to other country’s
The e-mails and the like,
Were sent to those in need
Of his knowledge of their bike.

The giving spirit of that young man
And his willingness to share it,
Will always be, forevermore,
Synonymous with Garrett.

The GMB is here
To carry on his legacy,
Of helping those who are in need
Whatever it may be.

[char393]

Thanks for sharing that, Big Bro.

Jedi, thanks for starting this thread and sharing your heart.

[pragmatic393]

Great post, Jedi

Its so true about how the legacy changes the way we interact with our kids. Also makes me think how I miss you folks...are'nt we due for a planning meeting ride or sumin?