Dad always taught me …..
…..that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. He’s living proof of that.
At the age of 84, my Dad fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a brand new bike. This is his spiffy new ride, and he is so proud of it — coaster brakes and all!
It’s not that he’s never had a bike. But they were always “hand-me-ups” from my brothers or me. He road my old 10-speed for the past 30 years. And I had ridden it for 10 years before that. It finally gave out. (The photo below truly doesn’t show just how “beat” this poor bike was.) I can’t imagine how many miles it had seen through the years. He finally gave it a proper burial and send-off to the dump.
So after dreaming of owning a brand new bike for eight decades, he finally made his own dream come true. Just like he’s always encouraged me to do through the years. Dad also taught me:
- to strive be a good Christian and love the Lord with all my heart
- the importance of being a good public speaker and how to write really great speeches
- to have a strong work ethic
- to find something I’d pay to do as a hobby and make it my career
- what to look for in a good man (hence, Kent)
- to sing Navy jingles with questionable lyrics in my college dorm
- how to catch bull frogs (and throw ’em back in the pond)
- that even when my Mom was wrong, she was right (boy, do I get that now)
- how to drive a car
- and what it truly means to sacrifice for my family
Here’s to you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day. I think you’re the most wonderful man in the world and still my hero!
PS — Dad also fulfilled another life-long dream: to become a published author. Yep, the Orlando Sentinel published a story he had written about his pet rooster, Henry, about four years ago. Pop, you rock!
What a tribute to your Father. He is one of the most self sacrificing husband and father I know. I am thrilled he has the courage to ride a bike…..his own (finally) after all these years. Let’s hear it for Bill!!
My dad passed years ago : ( May I adopt yours?
He’s quite the hotty on his brand new bike (don’t tell you mom I said that). The joy and exuberance on his face in those pictures is nothing short of awesome. Dad is a wise man; he taught you well, girlie-girl!
Wow, you made my day. My dad was born June 12, 1919, so today I’ve been thinking about him, and wishing he were still here. What a wonderful treat to see your dad enjoying life! Happy Father’s day.
Thank you so much for sharing this post Kimberly!
XOXO,
Stefanie
What a wonderful relationship we ‘daughters’ have with our fathers. They are truly special people!
This is such a wonderful story/tribute to your dad. I love the bike – it’s perfect.
Your are so very fortunate he is still with you.
Kathryn
Wow, you made my day. My dad was born June 12, 1919, so today I’ve been thinking about him, and wishing he were still here. What a wonderful treat to see your dad enjoying life! Happy Father’s day.