It was just four months ago when Tony opened one last gift on Christmas morning. It was a gift bag with a bike helmet in it. Tony even said, “Hey, it’s a bike helmet. But, I don’t have a bike.”

He rode the bike, with help, a little bit that day. Then again a couple of other times on warm days throughout the winter, which there were not many. 

The next time he really had a chance to ride the bike was Saturday night after a long day at the shore. We came home from Ocean City, lit the chiminea, opened two Corona Lights, I lit a cigar and the boys enjoyed the warm weather.

Tony played with his fire truck, spraying my truck and Phoebe. He then asked if he could go into the garage to get his bike.

We both obliged, helped him put on his helmet and then gave him a little push up the driveway. Once he got going, Tony was able to pedal on his own and even steer, somewhat well, after not riding for a couple of weeks. 

Tony rode his bike up and down the driveway for at least a half hour needing just a push or two to get going.

He had a couple of crashes. In one, he went into the fence because he could not stop in time. In another, he plowed right into the gate that was closed across the driveway, which he did on purpose. In a third, he tipped his bike by turning his front wheel too sharply when trying to look behind him at mommy. 

The third was a crash that brought on tears, but no blood, and Tony was willing to get right back up on the bike and continue riding. 

He rode the bike again for a little bit on Sunday, avoiding crashes and getting better with each trip to the top of the driveway. 

He cannot wait until the summer, where he can ride all day in the alley, when we go on walks at night or up on the boardwalk in the morning. 

Maybe you will see Tony ride by your house in the coming months!