The blistering heat of a hot summer day in April of ’96 covered his frail young body. Sweat mixed with dirt formed an extra layer of skin while offering no comfort from the summer heat. Eric picked up his brother’s old bicycle and tried again. So far, he crashed into a tree, fell on the hot concrete and had a narrow escape with a reckless motorist. Determined to learn before the day is over, Eric fixed his old rubber slippers under his dry and scratched feet and resumed to pedal on the bicycle. Ignoring catcalls from neighborhood kids and the fear of crashing, the young boy pedaled with a renewed speed.
As the bicycle gathered speed and momentum, Eric gave away a smile. He was finally riding a bicycle. Things were doing well until Eric noticed a deep pothole on the road that caused him to swerve violently towards his right. A loud mind numbing crash followed. Amidst the laughter and jeering from the other kids, Eric managed to hide a small tear streaming down his sweaty cheek.
Wiping away the sweat from his brows, Eric noticed a sharp warm pain on his right knee. With his eyes focusing on the source of his pain, he saw a crimson patch covered with sand and dirt over his right knee. With blood dripping down his leg, Eric tried to use his sweat soaked shirt to wipe and clean out his wound. Slowly and with care, Eric tended his wound ignoring the pain as the salt in his sweat added to his discomfort.
A few minutes of rest while treating his wounds, Eric thought about calling it in for the day. Having his body and ego bruised while his clothes tattered and filthy, the young boy felt down and out. His confidence hit an all-time low. How can he muster the courage to ride again?
Just when the defeated young man was about to quit, a cool summer breeze embraced him and a passing cloud provided a temporary shelter from the sun. With a sudden burst of energy, Eric picked up his fallen bicycle and tried one more time. Pedaling slowly but consistently, Eric began to gain momentum. Keeping his eye on the road, he managed to avoid potholes, rocks and other debris. A few feet became a few yards. With the wind behind the young man’s ears, Eric realized that he was finally doing it. He finally learned how to ride.
