Persistence

Good Day and Happy Easter for those who observe this festival today (it's next week for some, for others it's never).

As I was looking from my balcony yesterday, a car drew up and a man stepped out. After some time loitering he took out a bike from the back of his hatchback. It was a cream and pink women's bicycle, with a frame at the front and back for carrying bags.

After a few minutes an elderly woman came from the side of the house opposite. Her walk was slow, deliberate and unsteady. Her legs bent and feet crooked.

The woman met the man (both in masks) looked at the bike carefully and then tried to get on it.

Unfortunately, the woman was unable to lift her left leg high enough (25 cm) so she tried the right. No success. Determined, she took the bike to the edge of the pavement and with the man holding the bike managed to get on.

With the man at the back holding the saddle, she rode slowly up the road for about 50 metres.

Getting off the bike, the woman rummaged in the pockets of her old and worn black coat and gave the man some money. Momentarily, she slowly walked the bike back behind the house from where she came.

The man walked back to his car, despite the mask, I could see his pained expression. After a little hesitation, he put the money in his pocket and slowly got in his car and drove off.

I had the same mixed emotions as the man, appreciation, pain, optimism and inadequacy.

You see, the old woman cannot travel as there's no public transport. The shops are 1km away and neither her feet nor her legs would carry her the 2km round trip. Her plan is that the bike will be her legs, giving her the emancipation she needs.

As you rest with your family, look about you. There are many examples of personal courage and persistence in the world, this woman was mine and it's inspiring. This woman is living her life, challenging the obstacles and being persistent.

Whatever the hurdles, barriers and worries you have, get on your own metaphorical bike and work them through. Don't be defeated, things change, opportunities come. This too will pass.

Happy Easter 2020!