It just seems like a few years ago that my son Chris graduated from a training bike to the “big kid” bike. It was an October Sunday afternoon. My parents were visiting. Chris chose that time to consider our prior conversations between the two of us as to when he was ready to try the big bike. We started in the drive and I paced myself along side the bike holding on to the seat as we moved onto the street. I let go intermittently as he gained the confidence to go on his own. As his confidence grew so did the pace of his ride to the point I could no longer run alongside. As I fell behind, I would continue to call to him and shout words of encouragement so he knew I was there in case he needed help.
It was a big deal. One of those moments that parents don’t forget.
I remembered that moment yesterday as Chris slid behind the steering wheel and I sat in the passenger seat as he tried out his newly acquired learner’s permit. As his confidence grew, his pace quickened. This time I didn’t fall behind literally but I did realize this was another important moment. Chris is at the age where he is again pulling away from me as he grows confident and more independent.
I did tell him that I’ll keep “shouting” those words of encouragement and that no matter how far away he may be from me, I’ll always be there to help him back up to try again.
Chris just smiled and probably figured that’s one of those parent things…but he knows it to be true and that’s what is important.