Julia Sit (July 01, 19.. ~ July 10, 2005)
Today, we laid to rest a beautiful woman, mother, fiancee, friend, hero, and daughter. In my previous post, I told you about the life of Julia Sit and her impact on the motorcycle community, and the entire community. Today was the day we all said goodbye.
I am privilaged to have known, met, and been a friend of Julia. I hear it all the time. She would have wanted us to party at her funeral. Not mourn her. Do not shed a tear. Celebrate her life, not mourn it. I’m sorry Julia. I am not mourning your life. I’m mourning over the temporary loss of leadership within our community. This morning, Vancouver has seen it’s largest funeral procession in just over a year. Last year, we sent Bog off with a terrific ride. This year, it was Julia’s turn. My guess, 600 bikes of all shapes and sizes. Cruisers, side cars, sport bikes, touring bikes, dirt bikes, even scooters. There was people of all races, ages, and sizes. Each with a different motive for today. Some were there to send her off in style. Others, to pay their respects. From talking to people bother before, during, and after the procession and reception, I have found there are different types of people when we lose someone close to us.
A lot of people there didn’t know Julia. They heard of her, knew of her, maybe even met her once or twice. They joined the service out of respect. They respected her as a rider, and all the good things she has done. The respected her youthfulness and joy. Then, there are those that knew her. Some would join her on her last ride and leave. Others would stay for the service and then leave. Even more would continue on to the burial and depart at differing times. Some had personal obligations. Others felt that she would have wanted us to do something. Still, others just couldn’t stay. Myself, I don’t know if I could sit through another funeral again. It’s too much, emotionally. It is one thing to send someone off in style, it’s another to hear the sad stories from everyone. Some chose to stay away for just that reason. It is hard.
Today, Julia Sit is looking down at us laughing. She’s laughing AT us. She’s saying, “why are you guys crying? Why are you so sad? STOP BEING SAD. GO OUT AND HAVE FUN!!! I sure am.” Each of us has our own personal ways of dealing with loss. When the loss is of that of another rider, you have to take time out to think things over. I am still a new rider. I haven’t experienced the loss of a friend until that day. It’s hard. I wish she was here with us. It has made me seriously look at my life, my riding, and what I want to do. I know she would tell me to just get back out there and ride. With my personal issues (moving to Japan for 10 months in September) I think I chose to stop riding. I’ll have my bike. I may go for rides again before I leave, but not the same way as I used to. I think it’s time to go to the track.
That is my personal decision. What you do when something like this happens, is up to you. She was my friend, my hero. I thought she was invincible. I knew she wasn’t, but I hoped she was. I know many people will let this slide off them. They’ll be back riding like before in no time. Others, may stop riding altogether. Myself? Riding is in my blood. Maybe it’s just time I rode in a safer environment. If you are ever too scared to ride on the street, go to the track. It’s safer. Not perfect, but better than oncoming cars, ditches, and other unforgiving things. If you continue to ride, or you are still determined to learn to ride, do it. Many people ride for many years without a single accident. You could be one of them. Be safe, ride smart, and live the moment.
