Back in March I was asked to cover the LBJ 100 bike ride for Whole Lifestyle Magazine. The LBJ 100 is a 10, 30, 42 or 62-mile bike tour covering the grounds of the historic LBJ ranch in Stonewall, Texas. This event helps sustain the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, “A Ride to Preserve History.” This race also honored wounded warriors both British and American troops undergoing rehab in San Antonio, who also rode in the race.
I happened to be there to photograph Luci Baines-Johnson, daughter of former President LBJ. While waiting for Luci to ride the 10 mile course we were able to tour the Texas “White House” and beautiful grounds of the historic park.
I was in complete awe of Luci Baines-Johnsin due to the fact that she had been diagnosed just a year before with Guillain-Barré syndrome. In which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, it can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed…so seeing her cross the finish line after 30 miles instead of 10 was awesome! I was very impressed to say the least, but after speaking with her in person in her private residence in Austin, there isn’t much this woman can’t do!
When we visited her private residence a week later to continue our interview we were greeted by her lovely assistant who showed us around the humble yet spacious penthouse. Presidential memorabilia filled the long hallways. Pictures of the former President and First Lady a.k.a (Lady Bird Johnson) graced the walls. Several family pictures at the Texas “White House” were also present and many political faces were recognized as I scanned the history on the walls. I was in photographers heaven as I realized that I was about to photograph the daughter of our former 36th president in her home. What an honor!
Luci greeted us with a warm smile and gracious hospitality. She was a natural behind the camera of course and we finished up our interview in her kitchen like close friends discussing health, nutrition and the importance of exercise. She even let us peek into her fridge. Thank you Luci for being so generous with your time and to the editor of Whole Lifestyle Magazine, Lene Saint-Orens for the amazing opportunity.
Starting Line
Luci Baines-Johnson
Wounded Warriors lead the way
What a great smile she has!
The Finish Line!
“A warrior must only take care that his spirit is not broken”
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” Mary Anne Radmacher
For the full interview check out Whole Lifestyle Magazine. You can also find more information about next years LBJ100 at http://www.lbj100bicycletour.org
