this time it's personal ...

[yvonne]

if you watched the Today show this morning, you probably caught the interview with John & Lori Wittmer of Brookfield Wisconsin. Lori is the mother of 3 daughters stationed in Iraq with the National Guard ... this weekend, Lori lost one of her daughters when her Hummer was overtaken by attack.

I'm sharing this news because Lori is a member of OUR family as well. She's a Spinning Instructor with Bally's I believe, and many of you may have met her during one of her volunteer experiences at WSSC.

Lori is an amazing woman, she has been a major part of the fundraising efforts benefitting Cancer research. This past summer, when everyone was riding out doors, Lori helped me (on extremely short notice,) with a fundraiser for the Challenged Athlete's Foundation when my friend Jim was travelling cross-country on his bike to raise $ for CAF. She even opened her home to this group of weary cyclists, sharing a lively dinner and heated discussion wiht the guys :)

I don't think she reads this board, in fact, she has little patience for computer-stuff, but i'm sure somehow, she'll feel the love ~ even if it's just in your thoughts and hearts.

Yvonne.

[yj]

http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/apr04/221563.asp?source=tmj4

i have an address for Lori, if you're interested in sending a card, etc.

ycjuarez@pacbell.net

[Cheeze]

Y thanks for posting. I met Lori through Spinning and got to know her and her husband the past two years while working on our R4R event in Milwaukee. Lori loved her girls and talked about them to anyone who would listen. All she wanted was to get her girls back home safely. Unfortunately that won't be the case.

I agree Y it's time for the Spinning family to come together for one of our own. If you have the chance I hope your spirit moves you to send the family a card or let them know they have your support and are in your prayers.

Every day truly is a blessing. God bless and keep you Michelle.

Cheeze

[madcyclist]

I remember Lori!

I met her at my first WSSC (WSSC 2000 in LA - I think it was in Redondo beach). I didn't know anybody but I met her and Catfish the last day of the conference.

I remember Catfish rode his bike from Wiscousin to the WSSC and she was trying to convince him not to ride back. I remember her teenage son was with her. On our way our he and I took a road trip to MDA in Venice as mom trailed us - I rented a Mustang and we were hanging, profiling with our shades on, chilling, and listening to one of my mixes - it was a testosterone thing.

Lori is a sweet woman (and very attractive too- she is keeping very well). For those who attended that WSSC do you remeber that brazilian girl who wore the booty, shortty, shorts? I was cracking up when I saw Lori getting really upset when she saw Ms Hoochie talking to her son. You talk about a mother going ballistic... It was hillarious. We traded a couple of email but lost touch with each other.

A good person, she is and I am so sorry for her lost.
--

[AC]

I just bought USA today this morning and this is the lead story on the front page.

What a horrible nightmare. My condolences to the entire Wittner family.

[Cheeze]

www.touchtmj4.com/4links/witmer.asp

I did not know Lori personally, but I was very touched to see the family's story on television and read about them in the news. I feel saddened for each and every family that has lost a son or daughter to this senseless violence.

Whether or not you support the war, you have to support the soldiers who are out there every day trying to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people. Michelle's spirit really shines through all of the photographs I've seen of her.

God bless you,Michelle, and keep you and your family.

Paula

[Raptor]

Let's not forget those who are seriously wounded from this Iraq mess. Many more than the dead have come back without limbs or their complete faculties.

I called it a big mistake from the very beginning.

Lynn

[catfish]

Yesterday afternoon was the visitation and memorial service.. The family is hurting but strong enough to survive. The service was a time for comforting, strength, sharing memories and saying good bye to a friend, sister, daughter and fellow human being. Sometimes it is personal. Michelle’s memory and spirit will continue.