One of the happiest experiences of my life was looking back to see my father’s proud face as I rode away from him on my bike for the first time. I was four years old. He was a hard man, and I saw that look only a few more times in our lives together.
Another of my best memories is the day my youngest daughter first rode her bike away from me. Watching her fear turn to shock and then joy is something I will never forget.
I’ve tried to learn from my father’s shortcomings. Every time I feel proud of my children, I make sure to tell them. Perhaps they will do the same with their own children, should they ever have any. If they do, I hope I live to see their kids take their first rides.
