Oklahoma Biker - The Riders Ragazine November - December 2018 | Page 5

TALKIN’ TRASH
with the Janitor
Gratitude. What a bizarre emotion? It is a
deep sentiment conveying appreciation for
what one has.... Robert Emmons, author of
Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude
Can Make You Happier says “People who
regularly practice gratitude by taking time
to notice and reflect upon the things they’re
thankful for experience more positive
emotions, feel more alive, sleep better,
express more compassion and kindness,
and even have stronger immune systems.”
As 2018 comes to an end I reflect on all
the things I am grateful for. For example,
I was seriously contemplating doing
what T had done earlier in the year when
she terminated her magazine Thunder
Roads. It is funny, the day I was intending
to close Oklahoma Biker I received
three subscriptions forms in the mail.
Those subscriptions changed my mind. I
interpreted them as God’s way of telling me
to keep publishing the Rag. Therefore, we
will continue to print Oklahoma Biker for as
long as it is feasible.
We could not continue our publication
if it were not for our advertisers. If you
enjoy reading Oklahoma Biker, please
tell our advertisers you saw their ad in the
Ragazine. I am also grateful to you, our
readers, for your continued support and
readership for the past fourteen (14) years
we have been publishing Oklahoma Biker.
oklahoma biker the riders ragazine
If you believe author Robert Emmons you
folks are directly responsible for my well-
being because I am exceedingly grateful for
each of you.
I say all of this to say this: THANK YOU!
You make me proud to be a member of
the Oklahoma biker community. You are a
group of folks that will get out and support
most worthy causes. Giving your time and
your money to help others who may be less
fortunate (but not always) than yourselves.
You use these events as an excuse to ride
with your brothers and sisters because we
all know “it is about the ride.” Any ol’ excuse
to ride, right?
Here’s what I ask of you: “How many of
your closest friends did you meet because
of motorcycles?” Yes, I am also grateful for
Harley-Davidson because my friendships
with the very best people I know came
about because I ride a motorcycle. It
doesn’t matter what each of us does to earn
a living. It doesn’t even matter what race
or religion we are...if we put our knees in
the breeze we are accepted by most others
who are also riding motorcycles.
Yes, certain patches demand respect.
Those are patches you earn — not
purchase. Give them their due. It is
because of them you choose to dress
in leather and ride American-made
motorsickles. Most of those folks are good
people. Get to know them. Show love,
honor and respect and most will return it.
I am grateful for my family, especially
my wife, Cheryl. My family has not only
traveled the best highways with me, but
also the gravel and dirt roads of this journey
called “life”. Most of all I am grateful for
Jesus because without His love nothing
else would be possible in my life. May God
bless each one of you in 2019!
Ride safe and watch out for the cages.
The Janitor
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