One Speed-Bump At A Time, Son

Dear Ethan,

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on your journey with cycling. Your Mumma bought a? vibrant yellow bicycle for you- the one that you actually wanted. It wasn't just a simple purchase; it was a decision rooted in the belief that cycling could be a fantastic addition to your lifestyle, promoting not only physical health but also instilling a sense of freedom and joy.

Like any father, I always advocated for healthy habits, and cycling stood out as a perfect choice. It's one of those activities that, if maintained over the years — perhaps even a lifetime — alongside other healthy practices, promises to keep you in excellent physical shape and uplift your spirits. Can you keep up this habit forever??

I remember the transition from your small bicycle that is at home, which holds countless cherished memories, to the larger one that better suited your growing frame. It was a significant step forward, indicative of your maturation and readiness for new challenges.

Our weekend routine of heading down to the society track became a bonding experience, particularly as I tried to help you in mastering the art of cycling. The training wheels provided a safety net initially, ensuring you didn't topple over as you navigated the track. Yet, it wasn't long before we encountered a hurdle — quite literally — in the form of speed bumps.

Your instinctive reaction to these obstacles was understandable: a near halt in momentum out of fear. It was a moment of realization for both of us, highlighting the importance of addressing and overcoming fears as they arise. As your father, witnessing your struggle was a challenge in itself. I wanted to empower you to conquer those speed bumps independently, but it was not that easy as it appears to be now while writing. The fear had enveloped your innocent mind.?

Numerous conversations ensued, attempting various strategies? to help you navigate those bumps with confidence. Motivation and encouragement were essential tools in our arsenal, but they did not work in this case. It wasn't until I told you to hold your hand just before each speed bump to give you an assurance that you would not fall off and it seems that we found a breakthrough.

My presence beside you seemed to provide a sense of security, easing your apprehension. I advised you to say "I can do it," before the appearance of any speed-bump even though I was holding your hand. But my mind still was not relaxed as I was figuring out way to help you cross the bumps on your own. However, you probably did not realise that I did not hold your hand on a couple of occasions while crossing the bump. Before you could realise, you had built enough self-confidence to cross those speed bumps and that’s it. We jointly solved the problem in less than an hour.?

Ofcourse, it was you who overcame your own fear. As a dutiful father I was just lent my support. The problem that appeared to be an insurmountable mountain was solved in less than an hour.?

Reflecting on these experiences, I can't help but draw parallels to the archetypal father-son moments portrayed in TV advertisements. While it may not be rocket science, the significance lies in the shared journey of growth and learning. Each triumph, no matter how small, represents a step forward in your development.

Looking ahead, our next challenge awaits: removing the training wheels and embracing the true essence of cycling. It's a milestone that I eagerly anticipate tackling alongside you, knowing that with each obstacle overcome, you grow stronger and more resilient.

As you navigate through life, remember the invaluable lesson learned from those speed bumps: take one speed bump at a time, overcome it and move to the next one. Soon, you will realise that each problem irrespective of the size can be solved. Sometimes a hand is what you require. But understand, each time you may not get a helping hand but that is okay. You can still move mountains. Trust yourself and your abilities. With determination and perseverance, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

With love and pride,

Papa