The moment::

Do you remember the moment when you first rode a bike without training wheels?  The moment when your daddy, grandfather, mama, or friend running behind you let go?  The moment when the world became just a little more free?

I remember as though it were yesterday.  My bubble gum pink Schwinn with the flower banana seat and huge seventies handle bars.  My grandfather was holding me and running whispering encouragement, just him and I.  The rest of the family cheering from the house.  I felt him let go.  I remember thinking I could ride anywhere.  Do anything.  Free.  I turned to see for myself this feat and crashed.  Thirty or so rides up and down the street that day, scrapped knees and all, I was a different person who walked into my home that night.  Confident. Excited.  The world looking just a shade different as I took one last look at my bike. 

I've experienced this moment now with three of my four children.  Each amazing and unique.  The smile ever so different.  The glint in their eyes similar. 

My four year old, a week ago, just experienced this for himself.  He, my confident, boisterous, willing to try anything boy.  The big daddy removed the training wheels and he was off.  Just like that.  Huge smile.  Glinty eyes.  He knew he could do it.  So he did.  That is who he is.  Everyday since we have been biking.  If he falls I hear him say to himself, "that's all right" as he climbs right back on.  So interesting how much you can tell about a child or anyone for that matter by the way they handle life, isn't it?  

I won't forget this moment for him.  I will later describe his smile to him.  I will giggle with my grandchildren as they learn to ride their own bikes.  These are the moments that seem to stick close to a mama's heart.  Watching your children begin to stretch their wings and soar. It's terrifying and amazing all wrapped into one.  

 

Comments

[Green Gal]

Thanks so much for sharing. This is wonderful!

By the way, you've been nominated for the Sunshine Award :-) http://greenbeangal.blogspot.com/2012/08/sunshine-award.html

[Tajie]

Dear Kellen: Have you seen this? http://purlbeehive.squarespace.com/bees Let me know what you think :) Miss you...