The last two weekends we have been working on a little family project. It has been a confidence building event. For those who don't know, we live in a little neighborhood in Amelia. Our house is on a dead end road at the far end of the neighborhood. We have lived here a little over twelve years and we have watched our older kids run up and down the street on bikes, go-karts, mini-bikes then cars. That older group of kids have all grown, gone to college or moved out on their own. Now there is a younger group of kids, ranging from about 14 down to 7. Our Aaron is the youngest kid in the neighborhood. Which leads me to our project.
Aaron has spent weekends upon weekends watching the "big kids" race on their bikes down the street. He would get on his bike and ride up and down our short sidewalk or around the house. Last years yardsale was a turning point, he sold his bike with training wheels. My co-workers parents shared a big bike with Aaron and he was happy to have it. He cleaned it up, he sat on it, he pushed it around - but refused to ride. Dallas and I ran behind him holding onto the seat, helping him balance and learn to stear this new bike. He caught on but still only wanted to ride in the yard. Then it happened! Last weekend, he decided he was READY to take on the street. Dallas and I dusted off our bikes, pumped up the tires and set out to see the neighbors. Aaron rode this red bike so proudly. We went all the way to the far end so that the big kids could see him. Now he was one them.
As a parent, you hold your breath alot as you watch your kids try new things. This accomplishment made me take a trip down memory lane, remembering when Megan and Dallas learned to ride their bikes. Times flies by, so enjoy the little things like taking a bike ride around the block. Think twice before you say maybe later. You just might watch someone you love have the time of his life. Sporting the biggest grin because he just accomplished the hardest thing that he ever tried to do.
