The Best of Times and The Worst of Times

While Mom took Abby and Chrissy to Youth Group, I decided it was time for Matty to learn to ride his bike. Knowing that you and Ruth both learned at 12 Oaks in the parking lot, I decided to take the boys up to Robein GS and ride in the parking lot there. Ben and Tony both whizzed around on their little bikes while Matty and I patiently persisted on his bike. The biggest obstacle seemed to be just getting him to keep peddling. Once we got past that the rest came together pretty quickly. The wide open space was just what he needed and before long he was making circuits the length of the lot. I included a video I shot shortly after his triumph. Soon enough he was realizing the thrill of speed and continued to quicken his pace. I encouraged him now that he learned how to balance to slow down and control the bike at slower speeds and also how to make a controlled stop. He did pretty good for the most part, only one time did he have to ditch the bike as it ran into the tailgate of the truck! That was a good lesson for him to pay attention better. It wasn't long though before he realized that by turning his handle bars back and forth that he could make a zig zagging motion, that combined with increased speed was becoming quite a rush! I decided it was time to shoot a second video to send to Mom titled, "I've created a daredevil!" Just as I was preparing to push the record button, I heard a crash and saw Matty on the pavement in a heap. The poor guy lost control and went off his bike face first to the pavement! Needless to say that was the end of the bike riding for the night. He ended up with an abrasion on his forehead above his left eye, and a skinned and bloody nose. He smashed his glasses but they were fixable. He is so proud of his accomplishment but a little skiddish about getting back on the bike!