The bike I've always wanted

[sfa]

My older sister died this week after a long illness. Because of neurological degeneration throughout her life, my kids never knew her as anything other than wheelchair or bed-bound, so when my other sisters and I were going through old photos yesterday, I wanted to find one showing that she WAS a real kid once. I was tickled to find the photo below, taken on my sister's birthday, posing with her new bike when she was about 8 years old.

I'm the kid seated on the ground in the middle. I was about three years old and I wanted that bike so badly. But first it had to go through oldest sister (on the bike), older brother (on the left--and he was hard on things, but fortunately didn't want to spend too much time on a girl's bike), older sister (on the other side of me. She tried, but never learned to ride a bike.). This was my first bike, but by the time I got it, it was shot--the "tires" were hard plastic and were completely worn through in places, the basket looked like a dog had gotten to it, the chain was rusted and regularly ate my bell bottom pants.

And this is why I want my next new bike to be red. In my life I've had three blue bikes and one white bike, but I still love red best of all. And look at those flowers on the basket! And the tassles! I can't believe I still have bike lust nearly 40 years later.

[indysteel]

I'm very sorry about your sister. The memory and picture you shared was so touching. I hope you get that red bike....and ride it in your sister's honor, as well as your own.

[maillotpois]

What a poignant story. Get that red bike and ride it in honor of your sister.

[zoom-zoom]

I think a red bike would be a beautiful tribute to your sister. So sorry for your family's loss, but I love the memory that the photo has brought you.

[GLC1968]

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. That is a wonderful photo - how cool is it that she is riding in her party dress and white socks?

I hope you get your red bike soon and that it keeps your sister's memory close to you.

[jdubble]

i also think that you NEED to get a red bike, ASAP, in honor of your sister, and to fulfill your very first bike lust. what a great picture - i'm so glad you found that and have that memory of her. thank you for sharing it with us.

[kmehrzad]

sfa, Along with the others, I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your precious sister.
What a wonderful idea to find a photo that represents a good time and memory of her. May memories such as this be held in your family's hearts and minds throughout time.
That beauty of a bike was a great birthday gift and how happy it must have made her. Sounds as if everyone was in awe of it right from the start. Go get that fire engine red bicycle and ride it with a smile on your face as you remember your sister with each pedal stroke.
By the way, I don't think bike lust ever ends (nor does scooter lust).

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful way to remember her. Peace.

[Melissa71]

I'm so sorry about your sister, my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing a touching childhood memory. That bike reminds me a lot of my first bike. I had a white basket with flowers just like that.

[runningteach]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful picture to have of your sister. I also think that you should get your red bike soon.

[Bike Chick]

What a wonderful picture and story. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I am so sorry and hope you get that red bike soon.

[MommyBird]

As a fellow "little sister" I can fully understand the patience it took to wait for your turn with the bike. It is funny how the "bigs" in the family can be inspirational without even trying.
My sister and I got similar bikes at the same time for Christmas when I was three. One of the few times I did not have to wait for my turn. She took to hers the first day with the classic push from dad. It would take until I was five and so determined that I spent hours in the driveway teaching myself and falling into the big thorny rose bush. I was thinking of my big sister's success the whole time!

So sorry to hear of your loss.
But it is uplifting to see how you are cherishing your time together.
I hope you get to celebrate her life on a shiny new red bike soon.
Don't forget the pictures.

[Catrin]

As a "big" sister who was the one who didn't get a chance to learn to ride as a child, I think that you absolutely need to get a red bike in honor of your sister and your love for each other! It is a beautiful way to honor her memory AND satisfy that bike lust