Courtesy photo Lura Johnson, born in 1906, fulfills her wish during a recent Harley-Davidson ride. Inset is Johnson when she was younger.

My introduction to the Ageless Dreamer Foundation was through (or because of) my mother. She was about to celebrate her 100th birthday and was asked by the activities director at Riverside Rest Home, where she resides, if there was anything "special" that she would like for her birthday. Her reply was a ride on a Harley motorcycle!

Upon learning of her dream, I was apprehensive, to say the least. What were they thinking? How could someone confined to a wheelchair begin to ride on a Harley?!

When I met with Laurie Widmark, founder of Ageless Dreamer, my questions and apprehensions were laid to rest. Not only had she made arrangements with Seacoast Harley-Davidson in Hampton for this dream to become reality, but her excitement about the birthday event was contagious! Lura Johnson, my mother, was to be the guest of honor complete with a "Harley Man" escort when traveling in the nursing home van from Dover to Hampton where she would be given a ride in a Harley sidecar. (It should be noted this was not popular with my mother — she wanted to ride on the back!)

On a drizzly Saturday morning, Lura's dream came true. Family and friends were at Seacoast Harley to watch. It was a carnival-like atmosphere. I could just feel the excitement in the air. Everyone, including store patrons who just happened to be there, were in awe of the 100-year-old wearing her helmet as she rode in the Harley sidecar, whizzing up Route 1, waving and grinning from ear to ear; undaunted by the weather.

Everyone was snapping photos to commemorate the special event! During the ride she was asked if she wanted to go back because of the rain and she said, "No, I'm 100 years old. I have been through the Depression and World War II. I'm not going to melt. I want to keep going."

It was an exciting, emotional day for me. To see my mother's face light up with that big, beautiful smile and a sparkle in her eyes is something I will always remember. The smile says it all!

When the day was over, my mother declared, "That was fun, let's do it again!" And, that is exactly what occurred! Her 101st birthday was celebrated in May with another ride in the same sidecar, this time a longer ride from Rochester Harley-Davidson, earning her the title of "Motorcycle Mama."

It has been wonderful to be a part of the groundbreaking for this organization and to see it grow and develop into a stronger entity with unlimited potential. My friends at Ageless Dreamer have certainly made me more aware that "old" is a state of mind. Dreams don't stop; a person's personality still thrives, no matter what their age.

Hats off to Laurie Widmark for her dream to make dreams come true for our oldest generation. She and the Ageless Dreamer Foundation will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you.