Sunny Skies For the Ride:

   In spite of the potential for rain, the August ride came off with beautiful sunny skies. A group of hardy bikers gathered at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the trip to Lyman, to visit our August child, Liz. Ann, Liz’s mother, told me it had been sunny all day in Lyman. We were lucky to find a window of good weather for the ride. Once again we did have some interesting characters come in strange hats and wigs.

A Precious Little Girl called, Liz:

   There is no question that we were a bit overwhelming for Liz when we arrived at her home. Liz is autistic and she has a problem dealing with new situations and people. She was wearing her BWAH T-shirt and she knew we were coming, but the expectation and the reality of a number of bikers arriving on motorcycles are two different things for any small child. After getting a better look at us and trying on a red nose, she decided we were acceptable. Her in house support worker Amy and her mother Ann, told me that she was having a very good day. When I remarked how impressed I was with her level of interaction with the group they told me that she can quickly become upset and have a "meltdown". We saw none of that. Liz, who is 9, has an older brother, Ben, who tends to be quite protective of his little sister. Many family members and friends were there to share in the excitement of her day.

Gifts and Honors:

   Paul Mihailoff presented Liz with her bag of goodies. We did have a tiny meltdown from one of the small guests who wanted the balloons on the gift bag.

   Lynn Bernard read the Certificate of Proclamation, and presented it to Liz. Lynn drove a handsome three wheeler, and agreed to provide transportation for the Parade Ride.

The Parade Ride:

   We almost lost the show here. Liz wanted to ride on the trike, but no way was she going to put on that helmet. Thanks to Amy, who convinced her that it was much the same as the helmet she wears for therapeutic horseback riding, she did don the half helmet that Lynn offered and rode off with our own Patty on the trike. Patty plays an important part in Liz’s socialization skills because she works one to one with her in the school system. It was a good time, and she came back smiling. Her brother, Ben, also participated in the ride. Her mother’s comment was, “I am so proud of her!” We all were, Ann.

Wrap Up:

   Once again we enjoyed the day, and the child. Some of the bikers stayed for a feast of hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold drinks that the family graciously provided. A big thank you from all of us for that thoughtful gesture. See you next month, and, if you can, come wearing something funny or goofy, adding to the positive spirit of the day!