Rich Dixon takes a break.

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1500 miles was just one chapter in the story.

Before we continue, let’s take a one-week break from bike riding. Jon generously offered the opportunity to tell you about a wonderful book that describes part of the foundation for my story.

The book is Standing on the Shoulders by Tim Brand.

With uncommon tenderness and transparency, Tim traces his journey with his father, Denny, through the final six weeks of Denny’s life. Into this six-week walk, Tim skillfully weaves the story of Denny’s remarkable life and legacy as a high school basketball coach, successful businessman, pastor, and missionary to Haiti.

I have a special connection to this story, because Denny Brand and I were friends. We worked at the same Iowa high school and umpired high school softball together for four summers. During that time, a baby named Tim was born.

I began reading this book with a sense of trepidation. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be like to read about the death of a good friend with whom I’d lost contact in recent years.

However, I finished reading not so much with sadness that Denny died, as with joy at the life he lived and with hope for the future he envisioned for the many people he loved.

Standing on the Shoulders inspires you and me to the sort of life my friend Denny lived, a life that leaves a solid foundation on which those we love can stand.