a baby note of thanks

while here in india, i have lost a considerable amount of faith in the male gender. utter disrespect for women. overwhelming ego. blatant misogyny. furtive disloyalty. general creepiness. this does not impress me.

what does make me smile however, is the father who lives a few houses over. every morning, before he goes to work, and every evening, after he returns, he takes his two children out for a baby ride around the neighborhood on his motorcycle. the daughter sits up front, wide eyed, gleefully taking in the sights from her perch. the older boy sits behind his dad, one arm outstretched, toying with the breeze.
every time i see them, which is often, i am reminded of how my dad used to take me on similar motorcycle outings. we would ride to a nearby farm, where he would deliver me for horseback riding lessons. after the hour was up, i was just as eager to get on the motorcycle as i had been to get on the horse. we would circle the block a couple of times when we arrived home so i could take in our neighborhood from my spot on the bike.

i loved being with my dad. i loved riding with him. as i learned about the bike, i would try and absorb some of his wisdom whenever i could. in the process, i was overwhelmed by his consideration, insight, and humility.

who knows. perhaps the kids of this sweet indian dad will grow up with a sense of equality between men and women, understanding the importance of respect for one other. i’ve lost some faith in men. but what i have left is due to my dad. and that impresses me.

photo of 1966 BMW R69S. more info here.