A Christmas Ride with Mom
You just never know how a day will unfold when you get up in the morning, do you? On Christmas day, our family gathered to celebrate. We ate and laughed and listened to stories of the past, of hopes for the future.
During lunch my dad asked about the Ural as he often does. This was his first visit to our house in months so he’d only ever seen it in photos. Kenny quickly wheeled it out so that my pop could get a good look at it.
I made a promise to my dad that if he is feeling up to it in the spring that I will take him for a ride. That idea really must have tickled him, because he hung on to it for the rest of the day and every conversation we’ve had since Christmas. He has been reminding me that he’s excited to go for a ride. That makes my heart happy.
While we sat and chit chatted at the kitchen table – my mom, my sweet, awesome mom, didn’t bat an eyelash when I asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. There was no hesitation, no wavering, just YES!
I’m proud to say that after nearly 20 years of riding motorcycles, I finally took my mom out for her first ride with me.
I threw my riding jacket on over my dress, slipped a pair of jeans and with the biggest smile in the world on my moms face ~ away we went putt-putting down the road.
When I glanced over at her in the sidecar, it was like looking at a 20-year-old version of my mom. Her gray-blue eyes were busy smiling away through the helmet. The magic and youthfulness of wonder had captured her. She was thrilled and that was the best feeling in the world for me.
When we arrived back at the house from the sidecar I heard, ‘Oh, I love it! We could ride across country. Would you ride this to California?’ Yes, mom. I think I would 🙂
Seeing my mom so happy made my Christmas.
Have you ever had the pleasure of going for a ride with your parents?
I thought that nothing could be cooler (and sweeter) than you riding with your daughter … but I was wrong.
This … well, this was pure awesome 🙂
<3 Thanks, m’dear. <3
If I leave now, I can come pick you up and take you for a ride in the sidecar this spring. THAT would be awesome, too. Roadsiding in a rig starring Wendyvee and Fuzzy! Okay, I’d better stop before that actually becomes a thing. 😆
“I threw my riding jacket on over my dress” <– this is why you’re awesome
😆 You’re easy to please, Ad.
Great posting Fuzzy!
Looking forward to when your dad can ride with you as well!
Dom
Me too, Dom. Me too. I know it would be something that would stay with him (and me) forever.
Happy New Year, buddy.
You continue to be an inspiration to us all. Take your Mom on a very long ride on that awesome URAL you have. She will love it. Wish I could do the same with my Mom who only has a few more years left. Happy New Year and may life’s blessings always be great.
Never say never, Madeline. Maybe your mom has a ride in her – even if it is just a quick one?
Peace and love to you, lady. Looking forward to watching your 2013 journeys unfold 🙂
Well that is just about the coolest post. You are giving me goosebumps again Fuzzy, stop doing that, lol.
How cool is it to take your mom for a ride. I am glad your dad has it to look forward to again. I am sure he has a twinkle in his eye just thinking about it.
Happy new Year Fuzzy!
😀 Thanks for all great feedback and friendship through the year, Brandy. Happy New Year, babe!
I love this post and the pictures. That is pretty amazing. I’m not sure I can imagine my mom being willing to go for a ride like that….
Never know until you ask. Parents are full of surprises 😉
OK, I have wiped my tears away, so I can type now. 🙂 Very good post. I am so glad your mom went on the ride. Can’t wait to see the pics when you get to take your dad in the Spring. Family….can’t live with them or without them. Love the wonderful memories you are making with them. 🙂 Happy New Year
Thanks, chickie. Happy New Year, Diane 🙂
What a beautiful story and wonderful memories to treasure. And build on! My mom and I started a tradition of a Mother’s Day ride when she was 78. We got 5 years in until ill health forced her to stop but she still tells anyone who will listen about them. Thanks for sharing.
Happy New Year!
How sweet, Liz. I love that!
Wishing you all the best in 2013.
Rachel – this is lovely! I could just picture you and your mom road tripping! It would be divine! I would so love a sidecar rig, because I think for some it is less intimidating than riding pillion. What a great story!
thanks, Dar 🙂
I think the sidecar is “cute” to people. You’re right – much less intimidating. The idea that you wouldn’t fall off (or out), no balance required etc. makes it more mentally accessible to people.
What a great post! My Dad started riding a few years ago now and I started this year. We ride very differently but my Mom is not a fan. However, when I pointed out a Ural to her one day…her eyes lit up. I might bribe her with hot chocolate and share this post with her. Thank you for sharing it, fuzzy!
😆 you know the way to her heart, huh?
Thanks for reading along, Carrie. And good luck 😉
Love this story! I had the pleasure of helping teach my Dad how to ride…it’s over on my old blog if you want to take a look!
https://theveebumblebee.wordpress.com/2013/06/22/teaching-my-dad-how-to-ride/