Boys and Bicycles (1/26/00)

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There is something about the independence and freedom a boy finds in a bicycle.  As a boy, I traveled far on my bicycle, often afraid that my mother would find out how far I went, especially when I would meet up with someone we knew when I was far from home.  I didn’t worry about my dad, I guess because I knew he had been a boy once too, and would understand.

 

I enjoyed watching Adam learn to appreciate his bike in Norwalk.  Now he rides the three miles up and down hills to the hospital with the O'Neil kids, each time trying to “break” his prior speed “record”.  

 

Now I am experiencing the same “learning curve” with Jake. Tonight we went for a ride around Balfate, where the traffic is light, but the roads bumpy.  Jake just shed his training wheels a few weeks ago and has been gaining strength and endurance.

 

Off the boys went before I even was out the gate.  I caught a glimpse of them turning the corner, far ahead.  Jake rides like he does everything, full speed ahead and fearless.  I cringed as he purposely hit the bumps, trying to make his front tire come off the ground, but he always seemed to recover after a few wobbly feet.

 

Then Jake wanted to race.  I resisted, but he insisted, so off we went.  Then it happened!  Somehow, he lost control, took a nose dive into the dirt, and come up with blood on his face, dust from head to toe, and a blood curdling scream.  Once I surveyed the situation and found out it was just a split lip, we started walking home, with bikes in tow.  But before long, he was ready to ride the rest of the way home, proudly presenting his wounds to Becky and Abbie.  I am sure this will not be the last, nor the worst.  I think the Lord has doubled the guardian angels over Jacob, and also works them overtime!

 

Dave Drozek with,

 

Thoughts from Honduras

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