Zach Lipton
Appearances
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Brand New YOU
He told me that a man goes through his midlife crisis when he experiences the mortality of his father. That rang true to me, and it also helped me explain why, in a sudden burst of inspiration, I bought a 20-year-old motorcycle while my father was dying of cancer. I bought this beautiful machine without even knowing how to ride a motorcycle, not even having my license.
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Brand New YOU
I didn't tell anyone, especially not in my family, about my purchase because I'm from a traditional Jewish family and it would have killed my mother to know I was out there on the open road. My father's prolonged battle with cancer would come to a head in May 2017 when he was taken to the emergency room because he had trouble breathing.
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Brand New YOU
While he was in the ER, his oncologist came down and gave us all the bad news that the experimental treatment that was supposed to save his life hadn't been working and this was the end of the road. My sister and I rushed to be by his side and the three of us cried and cried.
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Brand New YOU
But for just a moment, we came up for air and I turned to them and I said, well, now that you've got your bad news, I may as well tell you I bought a motorcycle. The tears of sadness started to mix with laughter and love and we started to plan our road trips together because that's what you do with dying people. You plan for your future.
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Brand New YOU
And he made me promise right then and there to always wear boots when I ride, and I still do every time.