This geocache hide is in honor of my son, John Lee Osenbaugh.
John was our only son, and is number seven of our nine children. His passion was BMX biking and he was continually working on perfecting new tricks to show off to Kendra - and anyone else who would watch! John always had time to help the younger bikers and skaters learn the basics and could be found coaching them regularly. He was the youngest member of the city-wide committee to establish a skate/bike area at Pier Park and was fundamental in creating the arrangement that is there today.
He was also known for his clever tricks, harmless pranks, and quick wit! Though John never had an opportunity to learn about geocaching, you can be sure that he would have been right there leading his sisters and me in finding all the caches he could and then coming up with the sneakiest ones to hide for others!
John was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April 2004 shortly after his 18th birthday. Immediately after graduating from Grand Island Senior High in May (with honors and full-ride engineering scholarships - including the coveted Regent’s Scholarship) he had surgery in Phoenix, AZ to remove most of it. He returned home in July to an airport terminal that was crowded with family, teachers, and LOTS of friends celebrating his success!
But sadly, John developed a second tumor in September, this time on top of his brain stem. It grew quickly and the doctors were hesitant to do another surgery. John died early in the morning October 16, 2004 surrounded by his entire family.
If you would like to read John’s full story and see pictures celebrating his life, please feel free to visit his page on the family website: http://osenbaughs.homestead.com/JohnLee.html
This hide contains bicycle charms for everyone, a few magnetic flags, and other swag. There's a Sacajawea dollar piece for FTF. As usual, please be respectful around all the grave sites. John and his family appreciate you stopping by!
Happy Geocaching!
Ritzy Rae
This cache has been adopted by RitzyRae's daughter HuskerGurl.