CMA HeartBeat November 2024 | Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

On our way home from the CMA National Rally in June , my husband , Ralph , caught a bolt in the rear tire of his bike near Poplar Bluff , Missouri . He was able to get the bike to a nearby gas station . We began calling local bike shops to get the bike repaired to no avail . We finally found the tire that was needed at a dealer two hours away , but they had no way to tow the bike . We found a tow , but it was going to cost a small fortune , and they were busy and did not know when they would be able to get to us . Ralph said , “ Look online and see if there is a CMA Chapter here .” A quick search revealed that there was a chapter in Poplar Bluff , the SEMO Risen Riders # 1250 . The contact info of the president , Jerry Wawak , was published . I gave Jerry a call , and he answered the phone ! ( Exclamation mark : Who answers their phone with an out-of-state number nowadays ?)

I explained our dilemma , and he said , “ Let me make a call , and I ’ ll get right back to you .” Within minutes , he called back and said , “ We have a trailer , and we ’ ll be there shortly .” Jerry took off work and arrived at the station a few minutes later . Shortly after that , JP Penafor , who also took off work , came to determine which trailer would be needed . While JP went to get the trailer from another chapter member , Danny Collins , Jerry stayed with us . We told him the only place we could find to replace the tire was 2 hours away . Jerry asked us if we tried PC Outdoors in Puxico , 20 miles away . We had not . Jerry called the shop , and they had the tire and could fix the bike the same day ! Jerry and JP helped Ralph load the bike , which was also a blessing since Ralph was undergoing treatment for cancer . JP towed the bike with Ralph , riding along and enjoying the fellowship . The service at PC Outdoors was excellent ; they fixed the tire and had us back on the road within a few hours !

We are so thankful to Jerry , JP , Danny , and PC Outdoors for helping us in our time of need . They were indeed “ there when we needed them !” As a side note , we appreciate all the CMA ’ ers who have lifted Ralph up in prayer for his health , also being “ There when we need them !”

Thankful , Grateful , and Blessed , Cheryl and Ralph Sorenson CMA WI State Coordinator

¶ DISC-NOVhÄ DISC-NOV

03⎪NOVEMBER 2024⎪www . cmausa . org