Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New Bikes, Proud Boys, Photographs From the Past


Wow. He had never seen anything quite as shiny or nearly as beautiful. Even the new Model A Fords that occasionally arrived at the old Niles station where Pop was stationmaster could not compare. And more importantly, this was his. And maybe just as important, it was a gift from Mom and Dad for his 5th birthday. It was big! Standing beside it he wondered if he was even tall enough to get on. Pop, in his wisdom and concern for the family budget, had made sure that it would last him a few years. But at the same time, taking a vicarious joy in what he KNEW his only son would love, he spared no expense in getting the more deluxe model; painted fenders; chromed rims, and tw0-toned enamel frame. This thing not only looked great, it was sure to fly. Pop adjusted the seat as far forward as it would go, and turned the handlebar gooseneck backwards in order to make it easy for his son to reach. The rest of the adventure was up to him. As Bobbie stood beside the bike behind the station, Pop snapped the photo. Mom looked on too; enjoying the moment. Both of them smiling, sharing in the pride of their son, their long evening shadows inadvertantly becoming a part of the photograph. Now, some 84 years later I hold the photograph, looking closely into my late father's eyes, and his tender smile, and have to smile too.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you Betty. Sometimes I don't know what to say either, and I think that might be the best time to start writing! Andy

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