Too Soon

Kitty-corner across the street is a tan house, owned by a man who has always been the life of the party.  He has long been one of my friendliest neighbors, and he's always been quick with a smile or to offer help when I've bitten off more than I can chew in the yard. 

Just before sunset yesterday, I heard his motorcycle start, and I caught a glimpse of him leaving the neighborhood.  I remember thinking it would have been a great night for a ride.  The heat had just broken, and it was shaping up to be a beautiful evening. 

He never made it home. 

Around 2:00 this morning, his motorcycle went into a ditch and hit a culvert.  He was thrown and found unresponsive less than half a mile from home.  He was pronounced dead a short while later at the local hospital. 

I can't imagine what his family must be going through right now.  He's married with three almost-grown kids and a beloved granddaughter.  All I can do is pray for them, and I'd like to ask that you do the same. 

He was forty-three.  No matter how you look at it, that's just too soon. 

Tandem

For a couple of years now, The Hubbs and I have been trying to figure out how in the world we can teach The Princess to ride a bike. 

For her fourth birthday, her main present was a bike.  Which she outgrew without ever grasping the concept of pedaling. 

For her sixth birthday, her main present was - wait for it - a bike.  The next size up, in fact.  She also received pads and a helmet, and we're still struggling to get the pedaling idea across.  This is not easy, folks. 

But we're not giving up.  If there's anything our girl has taught us in these last six years, it's to persevere.  She's shown us time and time again that amazing things can happen if we just stick to our guns. 

So here we are, sticking to our guns.  Together.  For the first time in The Princess's life, we went for a family bike ride today. 

I can't even begin to describe the smile in my heart.