“Don’t let go, Daddy” my seven-year-old pleads with this father, “I don’t feel safe”.

Although his balance had improved, he was still afraid to ride the bike without his father holding on.

A flood of memories arrive. The fear of riding my bike and begging my father not to let go. He eventually did and I learned to ride and experience the freedoms and the bruises of growing up. Ironically, some 20 years later, my father griped my arm as he walked me down the isle and whispered, “I’m not ready to let you go”.

Up and down the driveway they went and I got tears in my eyes watching my son ride on his own without knowing that his father was no longer holding on. After shouts and cheers, my son confessed that he was still scared to ride alone. Knowing how influenced he is with Spiderman, Superman and Mr. Incredible, I said, “Who is your favorite hero?” He quickly pointed to his father. Touched but uncertain where to go with this one, I simply said, “You’re father learned to ride and so can you.” It seemed to work (that and the $10 bribe we offered) and he rode alone to the end of the driveway.

I was so grateful I was there – to watch my son overcome his fear and emerge from this childhood milestone victorious. I am very aware that some day too soon, he will be driving a car, going to college and having a family of his own. I pray that I hold onto those moments as tightly as I held his hand on the first day of kindergarten and as firmly as his daddy held his bike on his first ride.

2 Comments

Jennifer Lanter said:

Paige,
I don't think you screwed up. Shots are a part of growing up and by giving him the shots you are protecting him from horrible disease and sickness.

In addition, you and your sister are not the only women who should share the worst mother crown. All of us have days we feel we should wear the crown. If we acknowledge this and we all take turns wearing the crown then we will just have to wear it a few minutes at a time because we all have days of feeling : "Not so prefect"

February 7, 2007 9:03 AM

sue mccoy said:

Paige, I've just read your last three blogs and I admit to having tears and smiles. You are surely my "special gift". I love you, MOM

February 13, 2007 10:15 AM

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