If I die letter...

**trump-lady** · 12th March 2008, 22:32

There have been alot of bike related tragic news recently and as I read a thread about the influence of this site in being more aware of such news I have to agree. Our community is wide so we are susceptible to a larger volume of negative news but also positive. Its a shame we as humans tend to remember the worst. Anyways one thing this site has done for me is decide to create a “if I die letter“.

To explain this is not a premonition rather a precaution. I recently did a week tour with my dad and wrote this letter before I left, as I understand this risk in doing what I love. It is not meant to be morbid, Im not even sure why I wrote except that I did it after reading some post on kiwi biker. I then sent it to my soul mate in the USA with instructions on what to do if this ever happened.

I am going to share it because as I read recent post I’m wondering do other people do this? What are your feelings...

The letter I wrote:

If you are reading this, I am no longer here and I have left rather suddenly while riding my motorbike.
This letter is a testament to the understanding of the risks I take each time I ride and the passion I have for riding which is why I decided to get on my bike today. As you know, I’m not a forward planner so its quite ironic that the one time I have planned for a possible event (if it happens) will result in my inability to plan anything ever again.

Anyways, the point of this letter is to let those of you who care to know, that although I would like to have lead a life till an old age, if I was to go, riding would not be my worse fear. I hope it was quick, that no one else was hurt and that those who were left to deal with the mess, appreciated.

Riding my bike is something that has drawn me in a way that many will not understand and I know many of my loved ones do not. So let me try to explain: The power of a bike is exhilarating for me while relaxing at the same time. The bike is the one thing that no matter what bullshit is going on in my life, disappears and all that matters is the wind in my face and the road in front of me. There is nothing more satisfying to me than that ride where everything is in sync and for a moment you are separated from the world. Opening up the throttle or carving up the pavement with the ocean breeze beside me, hearing nothing but the music of the bike lets me realise that I am alive and things like this matter, forget the newspaper headlines, the love that I lost, the boss who’s an ass or the assignment that’s due……let it all wait…..I am alive and I’d rather die now knowing this feeling then die 40 years later and never experience this.

I hope everyone finds that “thing” and I know how fortunate I was to have found mine.

In comparison to some I already have had a full life of adventure, travel, companionship, family and love.
So don’t be sad or angry, perhaps this was all planned from the start. I am in good hands now, I’ve missed Nanna and Grandad and we have much to catch up on and besides, I still have more riding to do which you can believe I will where ever I am.

Please know I have had a great life and do not regret anything. Perhaps I would have done things differently but then I wouldn’t be who I was, and I really liked being me. It may be a shock, kinda like me and my personality. Free. Random. Impulsive. Anomalous (yes dad a big word meaning out of the ordinary). Dynamic. I am always one for surprises but …….. I am sorry to have to give you this one.

Dad. No words need to be said and in saying that all words are said.
Mum. Stop crying, have a bourbon for me. I’m so glad we got to where we were, I love you.
Blister. My beautiful sister, I will miss being beside you but always will be beside you.
Sean. My first Love and now only Love. Thankyou.
Yazzy. Besty’s are for ever, listen for me.

There are so many people who have come into my life. Many have left impressions they are not aware of but hopefully those who knew me will know that they were appreciated, loved even from afar and although I suxed at keeping in contact will know “I never forgot you, thought of you often and was always going to make that call/send that email tomorrow”

I have one request….actually two
I would like as many bikes as possible to escort me to my final resting place.
I would like this posted on KIWIBIKER Under the heading Trump-lady says bye. I also would like the forum to debate the circumstances of my death freely and openly in the hopes of educating other riders. (no dam red rep for anyone’s opinions!) Ok 1 more….I want to be cremated and my dad to spread my ashes from his bike around the banks peninsular.

Ummm I dunno what to say………Bye?

I know, when you miss me or think of me….go do “your thing” or get out there and find “your thing” and when your doing it, feel me slide beside you and whisper ……“yeah… that’s cool” but not as cool as riding.

**TOTO** · 12th March 2008, 23:12

I have tears in my eyes. We love you Tanya.

**Romeo** · 12th March 2008, 23:26

I've got a quick one tucked away in my riding gear just in case (no where near as deep as Trump-lady's though!). You'd only ever find it if you were really looking though.

I've also got a card in my inside jacket pocket with the names and phone numbers of my family and missus. Again, just in case.

It's a pretty good idea if you ask me :]

**Bikernereid** · 12th March 2008, 23:30

I know it is slightly different but someone who I know that committed suicide took the time to write a number of letters to various people explaning why he had done what he did and including personal messages to each person.

I thought that is was so amazing that he had the insight to write such letters so that his death was just that little bit easier for others to understand and deal with.

Your letter was very moving and I think that it is an extremely good idea. I am someone that always tells the people I love that I love them whenever I finish talking to them just in case I do not see them again. I also believe you should never end a conversation on an argument because you may never have the opportunity to rectify the situation.

I am planning a trip around Europe over the summer and I think that writing letters to the people I care about before I leave would give me and them some peace of mind should something happen.

**trump-lady** · 12th March 2008, 23:36

Originally Posted by TOTO

I have tears in my eyes. We love you Tanya.

Good, Im not crazy. I wrote this bout a month ago and thought I was nuts.......... Toto u r a doll and the world would be a better place if more people had your vibrant, positive friendly attitude which I find is contagious in your presence

thanks for your kind words (and green bling! lol)

**trump-lady** · 12th March 2008, 23:49

For the person who voted its a stupid idea, your never going to have anyone understand or learn from your ideas if you are not prepared educate others on why you feel this way...... everyone has different ideas and some may not have thought of yours its a shame you can vote but not voice them.

**Kittyhawk** · 12th March 2008, 23:52

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

I know it is slightly different but someone who I know that committed suicide took the time to write a number of letters to various people explaning why he had done what he did and including personal messages to each person.

I thought that is was so amazing that he had the insight to write such letters so that his death was just that little bit easier for others to understand and deal with.

Your letter was very moving and I think that it is an extremely good idea. I am someone that always tells the people I love that I love them whenever I finish talking to them just in case I do not see them again. I also believe you should never end a conversation on an argument because you may never have the opportunity to rectify the situation.

I am planning a trip around Europe over the summer and I think that writing letters to the people I care about before I leave would give me and them some peace of mind should something happen.

you never told me you loved me

**Bikernereid** · 13th March 2008, 00:58

I am so sorry, you should know that I LOOOOOOVE you.

And now so does everyone else on KB!!

Originally Posted by Kittyhawk

you never told me you loved me

**gunnyrob** · 13th March 2008, 06:00

I have one and it is with my brother. He will be executor of my estate if I kark it & it gives a guide of my finances & assets as well as who holds my will.

THIS IS NOT A SUICIDE NOTE, merely a guide, and a brief farewell & a favourite photo. I do not intend dying any time soon, but you never know if you will get hit by a bus, plane, satellite, thermonuclear explosive device etc.

Get your wills sorted peeps, it will save a lot of dicking around.

**Bikernereid** · 13th March 2008, 06:27

Will prep is well under way and as of next weekend it should be finished. I know that my better half thinks that talk of wills is serious and all that but

(a) I do not want the government getting thier sticky mitts on most of it &
(b) I want to provide for better my half, some young cousins and friends.

I think that making sure that loved ones do not get emobroiled in finanial shinanigans when dealing with a loss is really important and can save family splits (believe me I know).

I have sorted out contact details so that if anything happens to me my mum knows how to contact my bloke but now I think about it I want both of them to have a letter and friends' contact details.

Think the letters will take a lot of time and thought and isn't something that should be rushed.

Originally Posted by gunnyrob

I have one and it is with my brother. He will be executor of my estate if I kark it & it gives a guide of my finances & assets as well as who holds my will.

THIS IS NOT A SUICIDE NOTE, merely a guide, and a brief farewell & a favourite photo. I do not intend dying any time soon, but you never know if you will get hit by a bus, plane, satellite, thermonuclear explosive device etc.

Get your wills sorted peeps, it will save a lot of dicking around.

**Grahameeboy** · 13th March 2008, 06:46

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

Will prep is well under way and as of next weekend it should be finished. I know that my better half thinks that talk of wills is serious and all that but

(a) I do not want the government getting thier sticky mitts on most of it &
(b) I want to provide for better my half, some young cousins and friends.

I think that making sure that loved ones do not get emobroiled in finanial shinanigans when dealing with a loss is really important and can save family splits (believe me I know).

I have sorted out contact details so that if anything happens to me my mum knows how to contact my bloke but now I think about it I want both of them to have a letter and friends' contact details.

Think the letters will take a lot of time and thought and isn't something that should be rushed.

That's cool, sad and a bit wierd all wrapped up...

I don't think that far ahead...

**Pumba** · 13th March 2008, 07:06

Originally Posted by trump-lady

For the person who voted its a stupid idea, your never going to have anyone understand or learn from your ideas if you are not prepared educate others on why you feel this way...... everyone has different ideas and some may not have thought of yours its a shame you can vote but not voice them.

Personaly I feel that statement is a little closed minded. You put the option up there to be voted on and clearly people are using the options presented to them. I too voted on this option.

Any thing we do has risks asociated with it. I acknowlege the risks, and move on, I try not to focus on the mobid side of what I am doing at any one time (shit you could die in your kitchen choking on your weet bix).

But hey thats me.