Heartland Health Care Center -- Decatur "Bike Blessing"

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More than 15 years ago, Dean attended his first motorcycle blessing at Spitler Woods State Park in Mt. Zion, Illinois. Dean stood on a snow-covered picnic table and prayed for the bikers. He had gone back every year since. This year was different for Dean, however, as he was a patient at Heartland Health Care Center in Decatur, Illinois, and his health prevented him from attending the event. Janice, the nurse liaison at Heartland, planned on going to the event with her husband and knew that Dean's presence at the event was important. If he wasn't able to attend, Janice decided that she would bring a few bikers back to visit him.

Janice went to the bike blessing and asked that an announcement be made that Dean was unable to attend, and that everyone was invited to ride back to Heartland to greet him. Janice was hoping for 20 or so bikers, but the result far exceeded her expectations. An estimated 200 bikers rode through Heartland's parking lot where Dean was waiting on the front porch waving. A few bikers dismounted their rides to shake his hand and chat, while others rode by waving. Dean was even able to come down to the parking lot and pray with a few riders whose bikes hadn't gotten in on the other blessing. Dean was happy that he was able to enjoy the event, even if it was slightly modified. His Heart's Desire was complete as he went back inside Heartland, feeling honored that his presence meant so much to the other bikers.

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