Peg’s Journal

Last week, when checking on Ashlyn playing outside, I saw her on a neighbor’s bike….riding….without training wheels…ALL ON HER OWN! OMG!

I know, it’s not a big deal for a 6 year old to be riding a bike. But Ashlyn had not touched her bike in almost a year (after a bad tumble that included damage to her helmet and bike, bloody knuckles, elbows, and knees, and a massive asphalt burn to her face and forehead). And up until then, she’s always rode with training wheels. So imagine how shocked I was to see that she taught herself how to ride a two-wheeler in the span of 10 minutes! I couldn’t believe it. I had to run in and grab my camera.

I’m kinda bummed that I didn’t get to teach her…you know, help her balance and run alongside. At the same time, I’m a bit relieved to not have to go through seeing her struggle or fall. I was traumatized by her last accident.
Aric was also surprised seeing the clip on my camera that night. He removed the training wheels off her bike over the weekend, and you can see the utter joy and pride all over her face as she pedalled her little heart out.

I know she has been envying the neighbor kids as they zip around on their bikes (as she kept up on her scooter). She would often times say, “[so-and-so] can ride a bike, and he’s three! I don’t know how to ride a bike.” In which Aric and I would reassure her that everyone learns at different paces, and not to feel discouraged by the age thing. I even told her that I didn’t learn until I was like 9 or 10.
Ashlyn impresses me. She has shown me that when she’s really determined, she can accomplish anything…and in a quickness. It’s sooooo different from the norm (walks slow, talks slow, eats slow, gets ready slow, cleans up slow, does her homework super slow…slow, slow, slow). hehehe I’ve been praising her a lot in hopes that this will empower and encourage her to accomplish more, and at a faster pace.

Tags: Ashlyn, Videoclip