I had a beautiful day today. It feels like a dream, now that I am looking back at it. Technicolor if you will, thanks to the occasional showers that have made San Diego’s hillsides vivid with green. In the unbelievable array of episodes that have flavored my life for that last few years, it is a wonder that I can tell what is real in all of this surreal.
I know today was so real, and so unbelievable, that I cannot stop smiling. I have the most wonderful secret, and I cannot stop smiling because I am about to tell the world…
I finally learned how to properly shift the gears on my bike.
It was Tyler’s idea to ride today. ‘Long weekend, you can get two riding days out of it at least’. Ughh. I was only mentally prepared for one. I thought it over..Wait, ride with Ty? We can actually go on a ride together? He is feeling good enough to want to ride with me? This sounded too good to be true. Before I knew it, we were on the road, 60 degrees, partly sunny skies, who could ask for anything more?
I told Tyler I was having some difficulty climbing up hills and I’d like to get much faster. He asked me how my shifting was. ‘Fine, I shift when I need to’. Tyler never believes me, at least never my first answer, or he reads between the lines. I love this about him. He rode in front and instructed me via hand signals, ‘Anticipate the hill, and when I give you the sign, shift in that way.’ Easy enough. I followed his hand signals, ‘Ty, this is way too easy, you’re making the pedaling too easy, I feel like amateur hour back here’. I followed him anyways. Tyler is a fast hill climber, I figured there be something valuable in this lesson.
We rode. And rode. And rode. Lots of hills. Small hills. Steep hills. Long hills. Hills that seemed to ride straight to the sky. Beautiful, stunning, secret roads with hills, lush green landscapes of hills, twisty turning hills. You name it, we rode it and it felt good. Really good in fact. Smooth, effortless, and tauntingly challenging, how I deep down always knew riding should feel. He continued with the hand signals. If I missed his signals, my legs would burn instantly. By the end of the ride, I got the hang of it. Tyler just made something really hard for me, a lot less hard. “Anticipate the change, prepare when you can, don’t be afraid to take it easy’.
I was taking ‘the climbs’ too hard. I saw something tough in front of me, and instead of backing off, and letting things ease up, I switched to my hardest gear. I felt like I was doing my best, or attacking the problem, if I was going full steam ahead. So what happens? Burn out. I’d lose steam before the peak, by this time it can be too late to shift down. It leaves a lot less in the tank for the next hill to tackle. Too much pride. Who cares who sees what gear you are pedaling in? Life’s about to throw more hills in your path than you will know what to do with; anticipate the change, prepare when you can, don’t be afraid to take it easy.
So there is our secret. The lesson behind our beautiful day. I hope it translates.
Tyler is doing beyond amazingly. The prayers are working, and I am so grateful for each and every one of your well wishes. He is soaking them up and dominating this portion of treatment.
//tash
GoTeamTyler 
Tash….What great words to ride by…and live by. We are all so happy that Tyler is doing so well and even happier that you are there with him. You both are going through amazing times and you will keep shifting to find just the right gear to joy and happiness. We love you both!
Dick and Annika Railsback
Traditionally I think of myself as pedaling as fast as I can (we’re not talking bike-riding here) but am now thinking what I really need is simply to change gears. It’s great to hear the good news regarding Tyler. Many thanks for sending.
Fred Wiemer, a first cousin once removed on Jim’s side of the family (whom Tyler has never met)
Natasha and Tyler …
Okay, I’m convinced … you two need to write a book … both of you have such great writing styles. Put me down for an advanced sales copy! Thanks for the update on Mr. T … can’t believe he is tackling the hills in addition to his illness! Truly an Ironman. Keep it up! Big ole hugs from one of your many fans.
Great comments Nashi…y ou and tyler are really special!! Dr. Ruth
Oh Tasha… you are too wonderful. The analogy is perfect. What a comfort it is to know that you two are on this journey together. Your personalities compliment each other and you celebrate each others gifts. What a blessing. All that parents really want for their children is that they be happy. You make Tyler happy. And what a wonderfully loving family Tyler has been wrapped in, with your parents, sister, and all the Moshirians’ extended family! Gratitude fills our hearts! Love, Marlene
Good job Tash and Ty….Get on those bikes and ride !!! Kick some A…. Your life has just shifted gears and you have many more to go….The easy ones are over , the hard ones most don’t use…but feeling the burn…….after the ride….that’s the secret….anyone can stay in first gear….don’t let it happen….Your Amou is here ….and there are many hills to climb….I’d like to climb some with you….stay strong and I miss all of you …..Amou Jimmy
Guess I’m late to the party! I just found out about the “Team Tyler” blog through my parents, and tonight I read my way through every single entry. Tyler, you’re an amazing guy with an amazing support system. Sending you some more love from Lincoln, NE.
Hope I get to visit you & my brother soon!
Nikki Bates
Hello Tash,
I really enjoyed the ride that you are Tyler had and how brilliantly you shared with us the lessons that transpired through your ride together. What a blessing that the two of you were able to do that together during this very difficult time. I am hopeful that you two keep on pedaling together and that you are always capable, able and willing to shift gears as necessary. Be well and stay strong,
Jeff
Tyler and Tash. Glad to hear things are going well. We really appreciate the updates You are in our thoughts and prayers.