#100DAYPROJECT Day 39
It happened so fast. First, he got a proper bike from Santa last year. It came with training wheels and a wobbly back wheel due to an apparent lack of quality control in the elf toy manufacturing facility. I told Andy I would call Santa's workshop and file a complaint. But the wobbly wheel didn't seem all that important because he was never really going to ride this little bike, right?
The weeks over the summer passed with friendly "Play Street" gatherings where our neighbors shut down the entire street for children to run, bike and play freely in the street. After attending one or two of these little functions, Andy had watched the other older kids riding their bikes all over the street. Then began the constant demand "take off my training wheels".
Finally I gave in one summer day while I was still on maternity leave with my daughter. The training wheels were removed and I proceeded to the nearby school year with our nanny, Jennie, who was prepared to document the pivotal moment on video. Most likely, I thought it would take a turn or two, he was still pretty little after all, and we'd be back with his Daddy at a later time.
I had a vision of how it would go in my head. I would get him all prepped, hold the bike seat in my hand and run along side him until I carefully let go. He wouldn't even know he was doing it until I would say "you're riding your bike!" And Jennie would capture the whole thing in a momentous video. And my heart would leap for this moment as a parent.
Except that's not what happened. We arrived at the playground, put on his helmet and Andy said "I don't need any help." This was not what I had pictured. (I distinctly remember crying for my Dad to put my training wheels back on my bike as a small child. Eventually I think there was a moment like the one I had in mind).
He held the handle bars, had one foot on the pedal, the other propping himself up. He lifted his supporting foot off the ground, pushed off and hit the pedal. And just like that he rode his bike away. He didn't need any help. I was in disbelief.
Here he is, riding his bike. For the first time ever. It is like he was born to ride his bike. He had great balance and I think it will be a great pass time for our family. We share the simple joy of riding a bike. Later that summer he rode in a community bike ride. I think it was at least 5 miles. Peddling along with that wobbly back wheel. Maybe Santa should think about fixing that this year.
Copyright Julie Bennett Creative, LLC.
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