You grew up across the road from our house and lived there most of your life. But you were younger so our lives were separate. You still invited me over for cookouts and swimming with family.
It is pretty awesome that bicycles can bring people together like nothing I have ever seen. Just about every Saturday when I was out in my yard working, you and Jack would take off on your bikes and yell to me, “come on go with us”. “Nah”, I would say thinking “hmmm could I really do that”. You were relentless even offering me an old bike of yours to ride.
I do not know the exact day but somehow in 1999 you managed to get me on a bike. I took to it quickly and you loved to tease me that you had created a monster. From those early days of my riding until you left us way too soon, we covered a lot of miles together and our lives became firmly entwined. On more than one occasion, we would spend an entire ride confiding to each other. You were the one who went with me to shop for a new bike. The first time I cleaned my new bike, it was in your garage as you showed me what to do.
I was having lots of fun riding and it was obvious you were proud of your student. When you thought I was ready for more challenges, you would grin and say to Jack “do you think she is ready to do Fall Creek yet”. That hill is still one I love to hate. You were my biggest biking fan but you would never, I mean never, let me beat you up a hill. No matter how strongly I was riding or how much of a head start I had I could feel you fast approaching from behind. I would think, “there he comes – he is going to catch me” and sure enough I would look over and there you would be looking straight ahead with that little grin on your face gliding up the hill. “Darn it” I would think.
Also, there were times you just tolerated me. When I would say, "ok I am going to talk to you like a sister". I could see your grip tighten but you always managed a little grin while you patiently listened to what I had to say. I do not recall ever seeing you in a bad mood or ever being nasty to anybody. You were the consummate good guy. Wally, my biggest challenge now is to not be sad that I will not have the opportunity to cover another mile with you on our bikes. And I thought trying to beat you up a hill was difficult. I will never clip into my pedals, ride very many miles, see a Corvette, pass your birthday, or look at another oatmeal cake again without thinking of you. I pray the memories of you will fill the void in my life left by your leaving and pray they do not fade until we meet again. You are the best, Wally.I love you.
Nora Kirk Miller