I Almost Held it Together

I have been saying goodbye to classes all week and it has been tough but I have gotten through...mostly by occupying their time until the last second. But yeah, it hasn't been easy.

Tonight I was really nervous to say goodbye to one class. They were so much fun to teach and super sweet. Anyway, I said my goodbyes and they said theirs...I actually got sung to but I held it together....maybe teared up a slight bit but that was all. I new if I started crying, the water works would come.

On my way home, I decided to get some Banh Mi for dinner which is the same place that we get our bikes fixed. As I was waiting for my dinner, the Bike Man pulled up and checked out my bike. He communicated that the rain had made my bike rust and that I should come back tomorrow. He also clarified that I did not have to pay...which he has NEVER made us do. I said thank you, thinking that was the end of it but I was wrong...he proceeded to point to his wife, himself and then to me and say, "family. no money. family". I said thank you again and touched my heart to let him know that meant a lot and then I took my Banh Mi and hauled it home, not wanting to cry in front of him. On the way the tears started coming and I could hardly even finish the story as I told the girls.

We have been to this man on occasion but not a lot since bikes don't always need fixing but that apparently didn't matter. We are his family and I will always remember that. The funny thing is that I wrote my dad an email a few months ago, saying that this guy reminded me of him because he always goes beyond what I have asked him to do. If I go to him to get air in my tires, he not only airs them up but he oils my chain and fixes my pedals. I had already considered him a member of my family but it's amazing to know he thinks that too.