One if Life’s Wonders

Have you ever wondered about what we, as a normal person, take for granted each day?
Take riding a bicycle as an example. Assuming you know how to ride a bike, have you ever thought about the apprehension and determination it took for you to get going?
We hardly ever recollect the falls, frustration or fears we experienced in the early days of getting started.

On this very afternoon,  the 22 day of September, 4pm, many of those memories came rushing back as I watched my 7 year old girl struggle with great determination to cycle without her training wheels.
For me, it was a bittersweet moment when I recalled the time my father taught me to ride. Did he also worry that I would crash and hurt myself as he ran alongside my wobbly bicycle?
And did he feel that pride that glowed warmly when he saw the success of the moment.
I shared my daughter’s triumph today. I also realised its not about “teaching” her to ride, but more like providing support and encouragement.
As this was a ‘first’ for me, I was just as surprised when I used the same tips that my father used to tell me. How is it that something said 40 years ago remains forever etched in my mind? Will I remember that 40 years from today when I try and help my grandchildren with their attempts on 2 wheels I wonder.
Oh well, that may be best left to my children, when as parents, they too will experience the joy and pain of having kids of their own.

 ———————————————————————————————————————–

bicycle, children, parenthood, father

~ by macrocosm on September 23, 2007.