Joy, pure unadulterated joy! How else can I possibly describe the filling that came over me as we planned for our illegal, and immoral act. It was the day before my 10 th birthday. September 10, 1978. All I could think of was the wonderful birthday party I was going to have and with any luck the 10-speed bike that I had been eyeing at the local Western Auto.
But, when I mentioned the bike to my mother the look on her face quickly told of great disappointment in the near future. So when my best friend Elsie devised a plan that ensured my birthday being topped off with the best 10-speed bike in the neighborhood I quickly agreed. Elsie was notorious for getting whatever she wanted by any means necessary. And she almost never got in trouble for her crimes. So, when she suggested we go door to door asking for donations for our church I didnt think twice about it. I quickly found an old envelop and set off with my best friend for what I thought was to be the most profitable journey of our lives.
As we approached the first house I suddenly froze in place. Elsie assured me everything was fine and it was too late to back out. I reluctantly proceeded to the neighbors doorway. After stumbling out our reason for needing a donation the neighbor graciously handed us three $1. 00 bills.
I could not believe it! She just gave us the money with no questions asked. And if she did, then the rest of the neighborhood would probably do the same. And they did. A few hours later, after going to nearly every house in our neighborhood, suddenly my excitement and joy was replaced with guilt, and regret. As Elsie sat and count the money that wed just collected, I could only think about was the big sin we had just committed in the name of the Church. Suddenly that big 10-speed bike didnt seem s big or appealing.
The Essay on Bike One Hill Day
My new mountain bike! I remember the first day I got my new mountain bike. It was April 20 th 2000, my thirteenth birthday and I was so excited that I finally had a bike with 21 gears. I was anxious for the next day so I could see how quickly I could get my paper route done. I was always used to my old bike with no gears and I had to pedal like crazy to get any decent speed. I was extremely happy ...
Later that evening with a little persuasion for Elsie, I returned home and told my mother that I had the money for the bike. She immediately demanded I tell her where the money came from. Being a young, nieve 9-year-old I hadnt given any thought to what my answer would be if she questioned where the money came from. So, I did the next best thing. I broke down, cried, and confessed my sin. After a much deserved spanking my mother told me how disappointed she was.
She also assured me that my punishment was far from over. That following Sunday after canceling my birthday party my mother took me to church and made me confess what I had done to the entire congregation. I thought my mother was merely trying to punish me. I know she was trying to teach me a lesson in taking responsibility for my actions. I often thank her for that.
