Monday, August 3, 2009

Ride Bell

I have an uncle named Dennis that we all affectionately refer to as "Biker Trash."

His wardrobe consists solely of Harley Davidson t-shirts (from around the world) and if you passed him on the street you probably wouldn't even notice him.

But in reality, my uncle is an extraordinary man.

Burned severely as a child by the neighborhood bully, the doctors told my grandparents that he would never walk again.

But they underestimated his tenacity. And he proved them wrong.

As a young man, when he was diagnosed with MS, the doctors again told him that he would soon be wheelchair bound.

He looked the doctor straight in the eyes and told them they were wrong.

Decades later, my uncle has lead an exciting life full of adventure. And the doctors are still wrong. While his MS may have slowed him down a bit - he's still far, far from being wheelchair bound.

His greatest love in life is riding the open roads on his Harley. But don't let the black Harley t-shirts and old jeans fool you. We may jokingly call him "Biker Trash" but he is so much more than that.

He's one of the kindest men you will ever meet. He's the kind of man, that even if he had nothing else in the world to give, would gladly take the shirt off his back and give it to you if you were in need. And although he may have more reasons than anyone else to complain and stay in bed all day - you will never hear a complaint, excuse or "I can't" from him. He's an inspiration to us all.

He also adores the little man.

{And keeps him fully stocked in toddler Harley wear.}

We recently received a package from my uncle addressed to the little man. I opened the small package and inside was a small, old bell and a note:

Little Man,

It's high time that you have a "Ride Bell."

So let me tell you the legend of the "Ride Bell." First of all the "Ride Bell" may not be purchased by the rider. It must be given to you by someone who loves you and is also a rider. I fit both of the required elements. There are evil bugs that infest all the areas that you will ride on. These evil things will attach themselves to your ride and make it break down. The ringing of the "Ride Bell" drives them crazy and makes them get off before they can do any hurt to either you or your ride. Many times when they fall off they will make a pot hole or crack in the surface you are riding on.

This "Ride Bell" can be used on any Trike, Bike, or Motorcycle that you may own for the rest of time. This bell was owned by one of my very best friends, and now it is yours.

Papa, attach so that the bell will hang and ring freely. Don't be afraid to drill a hole and use wire to attach the bell.

Mama, the bell has two purposes for you. It will protect Little Man and help you keep track of him. Love your Blog and I read it on a regular basis.

Biker Trash

And although the little man isn't quite up to Harley speed, he now has one special Big Wheel.

And a Ride Bell to keep him safe as he begins his own adventures.






4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely LOVE this!!!!!! What a great story and what an awesome uncle Denny is! :)

Just Jenny said...

cute! Never thought of giving a little guy one of these.

Grammy Jo said...

Little Man will log many many hours "In the Wind". And maybe someday he will own a Harley of his own.

Biker Trash said...

You are to kind.

Uncle Denny