Mid-Life Riders Online
Riding for Charity - Newfoundland & Labrador
As I sit here in my office on this cold fall morning thinking
of my past motorcycle experiences, my mind is drawn back to a ride Wanda and I
took to Random Island one fine summer day in 2008. It is not the ride that I
recall or the beautiful scenery of the Clarenville and
While I was filling the tank, a three wheeled Cruiser pulled up to the pump next to mine, a man pulled out his wallet, swiped his card and proceeded to fill up his tank with gas. I thought it was a little odd that he did not dismount his bike to fill his tank with gas and it was then, upon closer observation that I noticed that he was a double amputee, that’s right, he had no legs.
Strangely enough, I had no pity or feeling of sorrow but rather a deep respect and admiration at a level that I had not felt in some time. I don’t know who he was or what his story is but when you see people with such determination to enjoy life in spite of hardships, it changes the way you look at life in general. I believe we should all feel a little shame when we complain about the little things, the minor challenges and obstacles that we face in our less than perfect lives. It’s cliché but “don’t sweat the small stuff” really are words to live by.
We all need reminders like this from time to time to re-balance our own lives. It’s not that we need to see others who are less fortunate to make ourselves feel better but rather to see their determination and strength to allow us become better, stronger and more determined in our own lives. The truth is, that motorcycle rider defines strength and determination more clearly than the Webster’s dictionary and I draw from this example when I am looking for strength and determination as I face my own challenges through life. I don’t want to feel better, I want to be better. There is a profound difference.
Although no words were spoken, no gestures or other contact made, that rider, on that day has made me a better person. To pity would be to miss the point and I am grateful to have not missed a valuable life lesson.
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Mervyn House
MLR Online
