About PedalingBackwards

PedalingBackwards… I remember riding a bike as a kid and when I would push the pedal only slightly backwards it wouldn’t trigger the brakes.  I could coast in a relaxed way.

Then I got a 10-speed and pedaling backwards was more an expression of freedom and power! I could pedal up to a speed I liked and then coast and almost dance with my feet as I pedaled backwards, listening to that clicking sound. Very relaxing! 

Here in adult-land, I have found pedaling backwards is a survival skill.  I have 5 kids, one of whom requires chronic complex care. I have to slow down from my “get there now” approach to life and coast a lot more than I used to! 

So from time to time (daily), I have to be reminded to pedal backwards. To slow down, quit staring at the horizon, turn off my motor and enjoy the moments. PedalingBackwards is about enjoying the moments. 

It is also about g-tubes – everything g-tube! Feeding, unclogging, mixing, storing, washing, food, healing, etc.  Stop back often.  I usually post something somewhere on this blog every day.  Glad you’re here!  If I can help you in any way leave a comment, or email me at PedalingBackwards@gmail.com. 

 

 

Pedaling Backwards is about caregiving my child with chronic complex needs. I continue to learn about being the mother/advocate/planner who manages the care and well-being of my child. She is the youngest of 5 and, barring a miracle, will never live independent of supportive care. She is delightful, wonderful, funny, bossy, complex, and loving. Her health is unpredictable. Her daily care requirements are significant. En (N, short for Natalie) is 10 years old, delightful, loving, mostly happy, curious, and talkative. We have made dozens of trips to the hospital(s). 

Before I knew there was a problem with En’s well-being, I was zipping through life pretty quickly.  Now I’m on a bicycle which seems to have exactly two speeds, forward and backward. Just when I think we can start coasting, I have to brake. Pedaling backwards sometimes means slow down, and sometimes means actually losing ground on our journey. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Join me as I navigate the curves in the road,  the ongoing story of care.

About the Author: Lynn Rickert, former paramedic, former insurance investigator, published writer, is the mother of five children. She has experienced many ups and downs, learning and growing in various ways.  Contact with parents of complex kids has been a source of great comfort and strength. This blog is an attempt to provide that comfort and strength to others.  You can email Lynn at PedalingBackwards@gmail.com 

Lynn can also be found at EzineArticles.  Here are a few of Lynn’s likes:

laughter                        music                   friends      my kids                  coffee      books                                    

 the beach!!!!                      Health                                           God                                                                Love                                  Freedom