Yield. And then maybe smile a bit.

I live in a small town.  We have small town roads and sidewalks in most places. In other places we have one lane bridges and no sidewalks.  Almost everything is in walking distance.  I enjoy this very much.  But I have come to find something unsettling on our ventures out, especially when my kids are riding their bikes.

We have a grocery store within about a block from our home.  On the way there is a one lane bridge.  And construction that covers the sidewalk.  I have some young bike riders, but they know the rules and are cautious.  I am not worried about them, I am worried for them.  Because of the adults around. 

My nine year old has Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum.  We were told she probably would not have the balance to ride her bike without training wheels.  We never told her that.  We coached, worked, practiced, and prayed.  It may have taken her two years longer, and she is a bit unsteady, but she rides.  Without training wheels.  And she can go far. 

My seven year old was quick to get his training wheels off his bike.  He started taking them off himself.  He is fast and steady.  He was riding without training wheels before his big sister.  He rides slowly with his sister.  To keep her safe.  He encourages her up the hills, and even down the other side. 

And I am proud of them both.  Her perseverance.  His protection.  Her smiling face.  His kind heart. 

You see, that one lane bridge is scary for her.  She has to pedal up a small hill.  She is close to cars.  She may seem like she does not see them, but that is because she doesn't want to make eye contact with the drivers.  She knows you are there.  And sometimes she panics if cars are too close, too loud, or too fast, even if they are on the road and she is on the sidewalk.  But on that bridge she has no choice.  She has to step out of her comfort zone, away from her safe place.  Again.  She does this in many ways everyday, but this is the only time I fear for her.

On that bridge, she has to be on the road.  And adults are impatient.  And rude.  They beep at her if she is taking too long.  Or creep up onto the bridge invading her space.  Sometimes it alarms her enough that she jumps off her bike and runs.  I am usually right there, but she will still get afraid.  And so Isaac rides between her and the road.  To protect her. 

If I could say one thing to the drivers we see often, especially today, it would be shame on you.  Shame on you for your impatience.  For your frustration.  You see, even if she was not a little different in this area, she is still a child.  She will go too slow.  Or too fast.  She may swerve a little.  She may not see you coming up behind her.  But as a child, that is to be expected.  As adult, on the other hand, should know better.  Should yield to the child that seems "in the way", your child or not.  Your relative or not.  Your neighbor or not.  Because by your actions you teach each child you meet.  You are teaching impatience.  Frustration.  Lack of compassion.  I am a firm believer that the only thing wrong with "kids these days" is the adults that they have to look to as an example. 

So if you are in my town on a nice day and you see a beautiful little girl on a pink bike with a rubber snake in the basket, please be patient.  Give her an extra moment.  Maybe a smile.  She may not respond in kind, but she will notice.  And so will her sister and brothers.  And her mother.  And they will be very grateful.