Deflated

YaYa and I were driving into the parking lot of the high school that backs up onto a nice dirt running path. YaYa’s bike was loaded in the van, and I was set for a run.

Pop!
The sound was unmistakable. We lost our enthusiasm for our adventure as we saw the glass fly. I pulled into a parking spot, feeling stupid. How could I have not seen the glass in the parking lot? I crossed my fingers as I opened my door to check my tires. I didn’t even have to get out of the car. As soon as the car door opened, I heard a loud his-s-s-s-s.

I looked over at YaYa. He frowned and said, “I don’t think that we are going to be bike riding and running today.” We had been excited about our New Year’s Eve adventure, but our ballon of excitement was quickly deflating.

I called AAA, and then we waited. I tried to stay positive. At least I didn’t have to change the tire.

While we waited, I pulled YaYa’s bike out of the van. He rode around the parking lot while we waiting. I warned him to watch out for the glass. It was all over the parking lot. As YaYa rounded up his enthusiasm, the road service guy showed up. He removed our flat tire, replaced it with the spare tire, and inflated it to the proper air pressure. As he drove away, he wished us a Happy New Year.

My balloon of enthusiasm re-inflated as my tire re-expanded. I was now looking at my little mishap as only an obstacle. It was an obstacle that needn’t stop me from enjoying the outdoors. I quickly locked up the van, before I saw things any differently, and we were on our way.

We hadn’t traveled more than a half of a mile when YaYa took a spill. He got up and began riding again, but fell again just a little further on. He was crying hard, and I began to think that we should scrap our plans. I hugged him for a minute and then suggested that we sit on the nearby bench for a minute. I inspected his hurting hands. They looked fine. I told him that they probably stung because they were so cold. After I warmed them up, we were back on our way.

I ran as he rode a few feet ahead of me. He slowed when I fell too far behind him. We ran until we reached the first of two big hills. My original plan was to run the bike up the hill and then have YaYa get back on the bike at the top. I had second thoughts about this plan by the time we reached the hill. Since the trail is pretty rocky from this point forward, and we hadn’t been having the best of luck, I instructed YaYa to turn around.

We rode back to the van, happily noted that all four tires were still inflated, and headed off to get a nice cup of hot chocolate.

I have encountered many obstacles this year, but I have managed to find a way to over come them. Today’s experience seemed a fitting way to end 2006.

As for 2007…

I am hoping for some smooth sailing.
Remember to steer clear of the glass, AND may your balloons be filled with enthusiasm, good health, happiness, and lots of fun running.