It's Like Learning to Ride a Bike...

Another member of the Craner family is finally a part of the cycling community. Well, he hasn't officially gone on a group ride or even pedaled his way to Cap'n Sundae for a summer treat, but he has navigated the neighborhood on two wheels without hitting or being hit by one of our nieghbors' cars.

It is easy to blame Ian's (10) autism for his late learning (his coordination and balance are certainly behind other kids his age). However, I am more likely to blame his love of all things with a screen and his desire to stay near a WiFi signal at all times.

Either way, it made my heart leap to see him tackle something new. It is something I hope he loves for a lifetime.

As he pedaled away, he yelled, "I can't do it!"

"You are doing it!" I replied.

I have this crazy dream to do a coast-to-coast tour with both kids in the future. This week were the first few miles of that dream becoming a reality.

But bigger than that is my desire to have my kids be life-long learners; people who are willing to try new things, confident enough to include new people, not afraid of falling or failing, and always ready to start new adventures.

"You can ride a bike, Buddy! I am proud of you. Keep going. Pedal hard. Watch for cars. And have FUN!"