Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:58 am
Hi there. I'm not a woman, but I have a story that you might find relevant.
Back when I was 8, I had an uncle. He was my mother's younger brother. Big time old school Harley guy. Pretty reckless with how he lived his life. Had two kids and was 38.
On a rainy day, he drank and rode his motorcycle home. On his way home, his bike slid from under him and he crashed on a rural road. He and his bike landed in a deep ravine. Passed out shortly after the crash and no one noticed he was in the ditch until a couple hours later. He went into a coma, but awoke 3 months later. He woke up and lost 95% of his total memory. He couldn't recognize anyone. Spoke and had the grammar level of a 6 year old. He family broke apart, but my mother continued to care for him by taking him our home.
Fast forward 25 years, he continues not being able to walk without a walker. Still has a brain of a 6 year old. Has lost his farm, family, and any type of future of being independent. He has to be fed by another person and has to wear adult diapers while sleeping.
A couple of weeks ago, I approached my mother about wanting a motorcycle. I told her "I have news and you may not like what I'm about to tell you. I am buying a motorcycle." She gasped and almost broke out crying. My uncle was beside her the moment I told her of my wishes.
I quickly intervened and said "Here's my plan. I have already scheduled and paid for a motorcyle safety class. I passed my written exam and currently have my permit. I know that getting a motorcycle is rather easy. Liscensing is even easier, Mom, but I've taken it on my own to minimize the risk. I've already purchased a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, etc. I've signed up for the safety course. And I'll be getting a bike that will be easy to learn on. You've raised me to be a good decision maker. I think I'm very responsible in everything I do. You've raised me that way. I'm so thankful for your guidance."
She smiled and nodded. "You're right. You're a great adult and more responsible than I ever could have been. Promise me you'll wear your helmet, don't drink and ride, and avoid riding in bad weather...OK?" I said "You have my word on that."
Back when I was 8, I had an uncle. He was my mother's younger brother. Big time old school Harley guy. Pretty reckless with how he lived his life. Had two kids and was 38.
On a rainy day, he drank and rode his motorcycle home. On his way home, his bike slid from under him and he crashed on a rural road. He and his bike landed in a deep ravine. Passed out shortly after the crash and no one noticed he was in the ditch until a couple hours later. He went into a coma, but awoke 3 months later. He woke up and lost 95% of his total memory. He couldn't recognize anyone. Spoke and had the grammar level of a 6 year old. He family broke apart, but my mother continued to care for him by taking him our home.
Fast forward 25 years, he continues not being able to walk without a walker. Still has a brain of a 6 year old. Has lost his farm, family, and any type of future of being independent. He has to be fed by another person and has to wear adult diapers while sleeping.
A couple of weeks ago, I approached my mother about wanting a motorcycle. I told her "I have news and you may not like what I'm about to tell you. I am buying a motorcycle." She gasped and almost broke out crying. My uncle was beside her the moment I told her of my wishes.
I quickly intervened and said "Here's my plan. I have already scheduled and paid for a motorcyle safety class. I passed my written exam and currently have my permit. I know that getting a motorcycle is rather easy. Liscensing is even easier, Mom, but I've taken it on my own to minimize the risk. I've already purchased a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, etc. I've signed up for the safety course. And I'll be getting a bike that will be easy to learn on. You've raised me to be a good decision maker. I think I'm very responsible in everything I do. You've raised me that way. I'm so thankful for your guidance."
She smiled and nodded. "You're right. You're a great adult and more responsible than I ever could have been. Promise me you'll wear your helmet, don't drink and ride, and avoid riding in bad weather...OK?" I said "You have my word on that."
