The Very Amazing Dad

The Very Amazing Dad

The trip was on, they were all busy getting their gear into the car. Dad laughed at the thought of “gear.” To their kid’s, six and five, “gear” was balls, games, crayons, clothes, bags of food and several drinks, each.

They brought everything out, and their bikes… Dad always assumed things would be simple, even though, in the six years they’d had kids, it had never happened.

The bicycles were a surprise. Dad started losing it. Mom insisted it was good, the kids couldn’t be in the water all day. They needed another outlet for their energy. Their rental was on a dirt road, perfect for bikes.

Tying the bikes on the roof actually worked well, and they still fit all the suitcases on. The other stuff went in the trunk. The freeway was best, and Dad driving, he was used to it.

About thirty miles out, driving top speed, it seemed like they were golden! Then Gary, their older son, mentioned his bike helmet. He was very proud he remembered it, and wanted everyone to know how smart he had been! He boasted that he’d tied it on with the rope holding the stuff on top of the car.

Gary knew how to “untie,” he was not a really good tyer… They pulled over as quick as possible. And, actually made it to the edge of the road just as Gary’s tying unraveled, spuing everything they owned into trees and bushes along the side of the highway.

The story was told many times. Even on the news back then! Twenty years later, Dad still gets an occasional letter from someone hearing about it for the first time. Dad always calls it the “Dad Moment.” That day he finally relaxed, and still continued becoming a very amazing, very happy Dad.