Letti’s Bicycle Bell
For Aletta, my darling little sister,
a thousand days have passed since your fight with cancer ended.
Your passing made me understand just how short life can be,
and was a major reason why I cycled around the world.
.
This golden bell of yours you never got to use,
what a heartwarming, spirited and beautiful chime it makes!
I have carried it across the globe, fixed firm upon my bars,
and everyday as soon as it rang, I would smile and think of you.
.
When my wheels turned square and my head hung low,
I’d ring the bell and I’d think of you and all that you went through.
The melodious song would spur me on and remind me of my luck,
and before too long I’d smile again, and all the world be right again.
.
In breathtaking landscapes, when the sun shone high,
I’d ring the bell and think of you right there by my side.
Thank you, dear Letti for your bell that kept me safe and sound.
I hope that you enjoyed the ride, just as much as I did.
Dear Johann! Aletta would be so proud….
You have done an amazing thing! Congratulations. It is strange what true sadness in our lives makes us do and how it changes us. Good luck with your journey….
Marjo
Dear Johann,
it was very touching. I miss her much, I have some brief memories of her. Probably the brightest is the one when you visited us in Lugano. But even if brief, these memories are very bright and nice. I wish you well!
Francesco
Could not stop crying after reading Letti’s Bicycle Bell.
We are SO proud of what you have achieved!
And grateful that you are home safely.
Lekker rus by Nature’s en geluk met jou verjaardag die 11e!
Blessings en liefde.
Beautiful Johan. Whenever I see sunflowers they will always remind me of Aletta. Well done and congratulations once again.
Thank you so much Johan, for sharing this with us. So precious! Lots of tears shed in my heart today for Aletta’s courage and yours. Much love, Jo
What a beautiful and brave and loving way to honour your beloved sister heartfelt love gill
That is a beautiful post, Johan. May she keep you safe always. Neil.
Sent from my iPhone
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Pragtig
Dear Johan,
What a touching message and it had each and every one of my family members in tears. Missing our Sunflower loads and always too and she will be so so proud of you.
Looking forward to see you tomorrow.
Love Beatrice x
Dear Johan
We planned to make our donation upon your return and seeing that you have exceeded your target we would like to make a change. We were greatly moved by your last post and we would like to make our donation to Brain Tumour Research. This is a trust that is providing much needed funds to a number of research centres specialising in this awful condition.
I hope that you will see this as a fitting tribute to Aletta..
Tom and Lorraine.
Your poem made me cry. My little sister is battling brain cancer right now. in 2012 I was living in Elko NV when her tumor was discovered in September and October I rode my bike from SF to Texas to be with her. I enjoyed looking at your pictures of southern Utah and Las Vegas and places where I had passed myself with feelings of renewed hope in the face of tragedy. I have promised myself a nice long bike ride when I am able to leave my little sisters side. I hope to follow more of your adventures Johan. Ring Letti’s bell for me.
You didn’t do much talking on the video’s Johan….. but I guess you more than made up for it here!! What a beautiful thing to do. So respectful. And many congratulations on your fantastic achievement.