6/30 ~ Charging Chicago

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Tour)
Post #31: 
It was 'big fish in small waters' all the way through Indiana, but just the opposite was true, charging into Chicago. (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #064

I saw a post card with this near identical view; however this picture was taken by Carl Lebman from our courtesy suite at the Stouffer Renaissance in Chicago. We had big plans, that went bust! All news was on The President, as Bill Clinton also arrived, that very same day. There would be no visit to Oprah Winfrey Show; no TV spot with Chicago Children's Hospital (per prior invitation), and not a single bite in any form of media--nothing! So, we spent the evening of June 28th, drying out (from a wet ride), and trying to see if we could lend some publicity, to one of a dozen or more AIDS Agencies in the city. (Picture from June 28, 1995)

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Picture #065

Lucky for us, we had an opportunity to visit Chicago Women's AIDS Project (CWAP); and were told several stories, not unlike the lost girls of Lorain, Ohio, Richard Priebe told us about, a couple weeks earlier. Some of their women were also in hiding from abusive situations; therefore we were prevented from meeting even a single client. So, our visit there turned out to be just CWAP on a flyer. We still had one more day to fill. Look forward to that post, tomorrow. (Flyer from June 29, 1995)

6/29 ~ Leaving Indiana

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #30:
Saying goodbye, even for a short while, was not easy in 1995. Granted, I'd long learned to 'focus on the future', and I never once gave up hope; yet I knew the very real possibility that something might go wrong, either on the bike trip, or with my ever-declining health. After all, AZT had a crippling effect on me, with back pain and foggy-head; while DDI tore up my digestive system. So, until something better came along, my drugs of choice CCB (Coffee, cigarettes and bicycling, lol). (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #058

 

My son, Bon Petretta, was working this day; however my two beautiful, darling daughters were at Super-8 to bid me safe travels. Melinda (Picture Left) was heading to Camp Pendleton with her Marine hubby, Oliver, and they planned to greet me there, as my trip concluded in San Diego, at the end of August. Amanda is my youngest, and was still attending Portage High School, with academic honors, while holding down a job, too! I love being with my children! (Picture from June 28, 1995)

— with Melinda South and Amanda McCune

Sue Fleming what a wonderful picture of you and your girls

Melinda South I love the pic. We were so young!

Nancy K. Sorensen The happiness just glows from all of you. Nothing quite like being with your children!

Amanda McCune Wow that's an oldie but goody dad!

Nancy K. Sorensen You girls and Bon, are very lucky to have such a wonderful, loving dad (and mom) ....he is a very special man. I am certain that all of you have the same qualities :)

Jim Petretta You are just buttering me up for something. What is it? You think I need a 3rd dog, or do you need me to babysit that pack of yours? lol

Sue Fleming your dad is a wonderful man and i am proud to call him my friend. love him to pieces.

   

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Picture #063

I remember heading to the lobby of Super-8 for Coffee, stepping over the Newspaper, delivered to each room. I had a glimpse of the cover photo, but I needed a moment to let it soak in, So THIS is what they meant by giving the story "a cover". The receptionist made a point of greeting me, "Good morning, Mr. Petretta. Your children must be very proud of you." Thanking her, I asked for another copy, because this was the first time in my life, I'd made front page of a big newspaper, with good news, and an 8x10 color photo. I came back to the room, coffee and newspapers in hand, yelling for Carl Lebman to wake up, saying "You're going to need some coffee for this one." Later that morning, I would be bicycling through Gary, my birth city, the same city where I was brutally fired for being gay. I knew my old boss would find a copy of the news on his desk, first thing; and I wondered how his coffee tasted. Yes, it was raining, but with Carl in the follow vehicle, and folks blinking their headlights and sounding their horns, all the way into Chicago, I felt invigorated and liberated. If there were tears of joy, who would know; I enjoyed bicycling through the rain. It was all good. (Picture, courtesy of Gary Post Tribune, June 27, 1995)

Nancy K. Sorensen Must have been SO freakin' happy to see that for once you were an inspiration. I will edit that to say in this particular circumstance. Well, you know what I mean [wink emoticon]

Jim Petretta Inspiration is 1/4 imagination and 3/4 perspiration!

6/28 ~ Day of Rest

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #29:
When interviewing with Gary Post Tribune, I was clued in on a secret. They had been sitting on a story, "but needed a cover". I understood they had planned to dedicate a substantial portion of the upcoming Sunday Edition to HIV/AIDS, and they used a twist on a phrase that stuck with me: "It's easier for everyday folks to face a crisis--if they can associate a face with it." My ride would allow them "a cover"? See it, tomorrow! (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #061

For those of you following these posts, you may recall my mentioning in Elkhart that I was feeling 'worn'. I needed a day of rest, but felt compelled to connect with Irene Crider, the other person to be featured by the Post Tribune. Having located her (in the hospital), Carl Lebman went as my personal representative, with the moral support of my sisters, to meet and greet Irene. I have several articles, describing an abused girl with an abusive habit, who was denied medical treatment while rotting away in Lake County Jail. Having met and married Dean, she was turning her life around, and then learned she was HIV positive. Rather than hold a grudge, or simply rolling over to die, Irene used her own story to help others in need, and more importantly, to help change jail procedures, to allow testing and treatment. She called me from her hospital bed, thanking ME for riding for "us all". I promised to come for a BBQ at her place, after the bike trip, if she would hang in there, and wait for new drugs. She mailed an autographed copy of her own articles to us, during the trip; but Carl and I kept a big promise, by stopping for a BBQ, in September, on our way home to NY. (Picture from Gary Post Tribune, June 27, 1995)
— with Irene Crider

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Picture #062

When I Google Irene Crider, it didn't take long to find this: Birth: May 7, 1968; Death: September 28, 1999; Burial: Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, Lake County, Indiana, USA; Plot: section 36A, Lot Z45, Grave 2. May she rest in the peace she sought. (I was not able to fit poems and pictures in An Impossible Dream Story, but on the 20th Anniversary of USAIDS 5,000, I feel compelled to print some of these items as an invaluable part of OUR history.) (Poem by Irene Crider, 1993)

Sue Fleming Beautiful poem

6/27 ~ Portage Celebration

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Celebration)
Post #28:
It's more than fitting that while I am reporting on the prior day, 20 years ago, the Portage Celebration of 'Going Home' happened to correspond with yesterday's Marriage Equality Celebration of 'Welcome Home, Finally'. It was a time for celebration, and rest. I will correct an important fact in the news article, posted yesterday, (with notes of the 2nd of today's pics). (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #056

After breakfast at Mell's Diner in New Carlisle, I bicycled about 60 miles through mostly rain to Portage, IN, my original hometown. Brenda Hodges, G.M. of Super-8, had set Carl Lebman and I up with a jacuzzi suite, attached to a meeting room, where I might have a private reunion with my own children and their families. Meanwhile, the Portage Visitor's Bureau arranged to have my bike tuned up, while I took a day off to rest. There was still an afternoon media-meet in the lobby, attended by local newspapers, and Gary Post Tribute, a paper that serves all of Northwest IN, and South Chicago. Working with Carl & Brenda, they arranged a celebratory reunion dinner at (and courtesy of) Wingfield's 'Indian Oak Resort' in Chesterton. There were 14 in our party, all clad in USAIDS 5,000 tee shirts. (Pictures from June 26, 1995)
with Christina, niece, Jim Petretta, Sheila Abner, Lebman Carl and Marsha Petretta Nelson

Nancy K. Sorensen Is that your son? He looks just you.
Jim Petretta No, that's Carl (aka Cal in An Impossible Dream Story; I was not too creative with names, lol.

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Picture #057

I want to pause, to correct a fact in yesterday's newspaper post. Though it rightfully states that I contracted HIV between two marriages, I didn't choose to share that I knew exactly how I became infected. I am in fact gay, and have known it since I was a young boy. I did not explore that part of me, until I was 39 years old, and already in a troubled marriage. However, that marriage, and family with my 3 children, was not a sham. It was very real, as was (and is) my love for all of them. This trip was about 'staying productive', not stereotyping AIDS. I am pleased that our message was clear, most of the trip, as it was in this surprising letter from, then Mayor, Sammie Maletta of Portage. (Picture from June 27, 1995)

Nancy K. Sorensen You are an amazing writer!

6/26 ~ South Bend

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #27:
The media showed no mercy as I biked from Elkhart, through South Bend, to New Carlisle, IN. It seemed that my story was big news in the smaller cities, South Bend, no exception. One TV reporter tried to video me using a tree (to pee), before entering South Bend, while another clanked me in the head with an overhead video boom, once I reached the city limits, trying to get a unique camera view. Brief encounters aside, Carl Lebman had been doing a remarkable job promoting our mission, and orchestrating media coverage. A New Carlisle home would be our destination, and the first night we were invited to stay with a family, instead of camping or hotel. (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #054

There can be no better way to make my story seem real for you, than introduce you to some very real folks who entered my life, 20 years ago. Max and Robyn, and sons Josh and James opened their home to me and Carl Lebman in one of the most kind and loving gestures of honest goodness I found in my 3-month odyssey. After all, I had AIDS, before a time of better drugs, when most people kept a fair distance, let alone offer me a comfortable bed to rest my head. Is there any wonder why my heart is attached to them, still this day? Robyn was my connection, because at the time, she used her RN skills at AIDS Ministries of South Bend, where they did educational outreach and HIV testing. However, she was the consummate mother, too, baking and cooking, and giving everyone quality time. She also took in stray dogs, which may explain opening her home to us, lol. Max (now retired) was a high-demand English/Literature professor at St. Mary's College. Seeing me keep a journal, he was the first to suggest I write a story about the bike trip. I credit him for planting the seed, which ultimately became a theme of An Impossible Dream Story. Max is one of the better conversationalists, I've grown to love and visit. Josh was perhaps only 17 at the time, and has since finished several degrees, became a teacher, married his sweetheart, Kelly, and they have two children of their own. His younger brother, James (who went by Jamie, back then) was forever tinkering with auto and truck engines. He has since used his skills to master big rigs. He also uses photography to capture unique pictures he shares with friends. I'm honored to call all of them, friends. (Pictures from June 25, 1995)
with Josh Hart, James E Hart, Max Westler and Robyn Westler

Josh Hart Love you, Jim! Can't wait to read your work.
Robyn Westler Jim Petretta, you are the gift that keeps on giving! We love you!
Robyn Westler Baby Harley...let's not forget him!
Rebecca Stoddart Such a lovely tribute to you both, Robyn & Max. Blessings to all of you.
Em Bla So beautiful, and not at all surprising.
Rose Gammill Jones Robyn Westler! I have never seen your hair that long!  
Max Westler Hey, Jim! Just a big hug to you & Feng on this great day, a great day for your community, for every American. God Bless America!
  

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Picture #055

Sharon Brown was one of the journalists I actually remember, after all these years. Though writing for South Bend Tribune, she came to Super-8 in Elkhart, the night before, to get the story early. The photo, taken in the rain, was added on June 26th, as I departed New Carlisle, headed to my first hometown, Portage, IN. Sharon was the first person to sense that I had difficulty, playing celebrity, because I wanted balance, so that my story might be the catalyst for getting needed attention and funding for HIV/AIDS, and for so many other people trying to hang in, until there was a cure--or at least a way to survive. Each of them had lives, afflicted or affected. It was always my intent to tell the stories of those I knew or met on the trip. I hope I still do that with some humility.

6/25 ~ Elkhart, IN

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20 Year Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #26:
'Karma' and 'Truth' are messages of today, as I am dealing with yet another small outbreak of shingles, this time in my throat, and left ear. These constant little illnesses and forever low CD-4 cell count, though nuisances, are a reminder to me how lucky I am to have beaten the odds, when so many of my brothers and sisters with AIDS did not. I do hope I was able to lend some encouragement to those I met, that help (and hope in the form of better drugs) would soon be here. I was right; they were being rolled out in late 1996. But folks needed a 'will to live', something they had to bring on their own. (Each Picture has more details)

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Picture #052

Biking almost 70 miles this day, Carl, in support vehicle, got separated from me; he was certain I was lost, or worse. After having a county-wide trucker's watch and police APB put out on me, he decided to head to Super-8 to wait out the results. He found me there, waiting for him, lol! While I was showering and resting, Carl had gone to the local Olive Garden (then, owned by General Mills, my former employer) to ask for a meal for this biker. The Gen. Mgr., Dave Clark, said, "If this is the same Jim Petretta I know, I'll buy you both dinner." I was, of course, but was this Karma at play? Dave had been a manager for me at York Steak House, where I promoted him to Senior Manager. He was as gracious a host to us as I've ever seen, anywhere. Here, the tables were turned, and I needed help; and I find a man who credited me with helping him grow so much, in the past. He made me proud in front of Carl. I felt validated. (Picture from June 24, 1995)
— with Clown Bartender and Dave Clark, Olive Garden GM

Sue Fleming Wonderful story. as all of the posts.
Nancy K. Sorensen I LOVE your t-shirt.
Jim Petretta It's the one Carl Lebman made the bartender strip, to give to me, lol. It is part of a quilt now. I will post that pic, later.
  

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Picture #053

The truth is, by Elkhart, I was already starting to feel worn, and the days started running together, just a bit. Had I taken on more than I could bike? The 1,100 miles reported here were actually closer to 1,400 in biking routes. Some of the stories reported, also get confusing. This article says I was on leave of absence, but it didn't clarify, that was from Benedict House, a home for PLWAs in Buffalo, an organization which hired me, after I was fired (not from General Mills, Inc.) for having an ARI (AIDS related illness). Through those I met on the road, it had become ever clear that my story was the norm, "get HIV--bye job". (Article is from Elkhart's The Truth, June 25, 1995; picture taken by Carl Lebman on June 24, 1995)

Nancy K. Sorensen I am SO proud of you! The things you did really helped so many. I would have rather chosen the alternate, the seen carriage and horses!