Susan’s first blog post!
OK, this is primarily a blog about books, but saw something In Real Life that made me want to write this.
I was driving to pick up Jill from Summer Band the other morning, and was following an orange Harley-Davidson. Now, being a former Harley-owner (BC, or Before Child), I always check out the bikes I see. The rider was a guy, T-shirt and cargo shorts, wearing a turtle helmet. As we approached a stop sign, I noticed the rider down-shifting on the right foot pedal. “Huh, that’s weird,” I thought, “I remember the gear-shift being on the left side.” Then the bike angled to the left and I saw that the rider had a prosthetic left leg. Above-the-knee amputation. And still riding a motorcycle.
I followed the guy most of the way into town. Not stalking, just going the same route! When we came to a stop light, he finally had to come to a full stop and put feet down. Easy as you please…the prosthetic leg lifted up and out, then down as the foot hovered an inch or two above the ground until he came to a complete halt. Both feet down, nailed it like Mary Lou Retton in the 1984 Olympics. Next traffic light, same thing. Made it look so easy, but how much work went into that move? How much physical therapy? Occupational therapy? Time spent practicing slow-and-go? I don’t know, but I’d imagine a lot. I’m impressed.
So, Motorcycle Guy, don’t know who you are, but..good for you! Keep riding!