Santa Down!
I saw the coolest and inspiring thing last night on the way home from my son's wrestling tournament.
In my town there is a local bicycle club. I've always seen them riding here and there, up town, down town and pretty much all over town. I've always considered them to be a bit annoying at times. They're usually riding in the late afternoon, I assume after they've come home from work, mostly between the hours of 6pm and 9pm. They are however, a considerate bunch of guys and gals. They ride in single file and obey all traffic laws and they do have bike lights blinking when it turns dark. The only thing that's really annoying is that there are about 30 to 40 riders. This can cause some traffic delays and tie ups at times.
I never really thought too much about them except for when I have to wait through a traffic light turning red then green and red again. I've probably cussed at them a few times.
BUT.........
Last night as I was crossing the railroad tracks by the high school, there they were, about 50 of them! blocking crossing traffic so they could all pass. They all had flashing, blinking Christmas lights all over their bikes and some were towing those little bike carts behind them. The thing that got my attention the most was that there were ALL wearing Santa suits. Believe me, it was quite a sight.
All of a sudden a couple of them fell on the slippery iced road. They all stopped and ran around yelling,,
"SANTA DOWN"
"SANTA DOWN"
"HO HO HO"
"SANTA DOWN"
All the cars around them stopped and a few of them jumped out to help them get back on the saddle. They were all laughing and having what seemed to be a wonderful time. It was the funniest thing I'd seen in years.
When I got home I told my wife about it and she said that for the past 3 years they started a "Christmas ride". They cycle all over town and collect Christmas presents donated from caring families and businesses and deliver them right to the homes of children who may have needed a helping hand during the holiday season. All this donned in their Santa atire.
I was floored!
I suddenly forgot about all the problems I've been having myself this Christmas. It almost made me want to go tune up my old ten speed and join the club.
It was the first time this year I thought about what Christmas is really all about.
I've been so depressed about my own financial difficulties and worried how I was going to make this a happy year for my kids, that I had forgotten about being happy myself. I mean it's pretty hard when you only see the commercialization that it's come to represent lately. This has been a tough year and it's gotten me down, out of the spirit, no "HO HO HO". We all see groups and organizations giving and donating to needy families. That group of riders last night really brought it all "home" for me.
So when you think you've been diss'ed by not being able to find that I-pod, that Star wars box set, or that playstation 2 you've been looking for,, I sincerely hope that all of you stop for just one minute this year and think about all the other unfortunate people who won't have a merry Christmas. All the brave men and women overseas,, the displaced families in NewOrleans,, and the countless others who won't have a Christmas at all.
I think from now on I won't be so impatient when I see that group riding down the highway next time.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!
In my town there is a local bicycle club. I've always seen them riding here and there, up town, down town and pretty much all over town. I've always considered them to be a bit annoying at times. They're usually riding in the late afternoon, I assume after they've come home from work, mostly between the hours of 6pm and 9pm. They are however, a considerate bunch of guys and gals. They ride in single file and obey all traffic laws and they do have bike lights blinking when it turns dark. The only thing that's really annoying is that there are about 30 to 40 riders. This can cause some traffic delays and tie ups at times.
I never really thought too much about them except for when I have to wait through a traffic light turning red then green and red again. I've probably cussed at them a few times.
BUT.........
Last night as I was crossing the railroad tracks by the high school, there they were, about 50 of them! blocking crossing traffic so they could all pass. They all had flashing, blinking Christmas lights all over their bikes and some were towing those little bike carts behind them. The thing that got my attention the most was that there were ALL wearing Santa suits. Believe me, it was quite a sight.
All of a sudden a couple of them fell on the slippery iced road. They all stopped and ran around yelling,,
"SANTA DOWN"
"SANTA DOWN"
"HO HO HO"
"SANTA DOWN"
All the cars around them stopped and a few of them jumped out to help them get back on the saddle. They were all laughing and having what seemed to be a wonderful time. It was the funniest thing I'd seen in years.
When I got home I told my wife about it and she said that for the past 3 years they started a "Christmas ride". They cycle all over town and collect Christmas presents donated from caring families and businesses and deliver them right to the homes of children who may have needed a helping hand during the holiday season. All this donned in their Santa atire.
I was floored!
I suddenly forgot about all the problems I've been having myself this Christmas. It almost made me want to go tune up my old ten speed and join the club.
It was the first time this year I thought about what Christmas is really all about.
I've been so depressed about my own financial difficulties and worried how I was going to make this a happy year for my kids, that I had forgotten about being happy myself. I mean it's pretty hard when you only see the commercialization that it's come to represent lately. This has been a tough year and it's gotten me down, out of the spirit, no "HO HO HO". We all see groups and organizations giving and donating to needy families. That group of riders last night really brought it all "home" for me.
So when you think you've been diss'ed by not being able to find that I-pod, that Star wars box set, or that playstation 2 you've been looking for,, I sincerely hope that all of you stop for just one minute this year and think about all the other unfortunate people who won't have a merry Christmas. All the brave men and women overseas,, the displaced families in NewOrleans,, and the countless others who won't have a Christmas at all.
I think from now on I won't be so impatient when I see that group riding down the highway next time.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!
posted by Doublebogie at 8:39 AM
3 Comments:
fabulous - their ride and your insight - Marry Christmas db
THIS is why I think you are wonderful!!!
it all works out...i say it a thousand times a day in december..it all works out. thanks for the laugh! i needed it today. it must have been something to see...
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