Spin me off my tether

I was reminded today of what often happens to our passion as we grow older. My friend Gail and I spent several hours working at our favorite coffee shop today, each on our own things, but companionably distracting each other as much as we could. :-D

On the way out, I noticed an ancient tandem bicycle parked by the door. It didn't really register as an actual mode of transportation until a couple of teenaged girls came out and began walking it to to the street. One in flip flops, the other in Crocs, no helmets, of course. They waited to cross the busy street, then giggled and shrieked as they ran, half dragging the stubborn old thing as cars slowed and narrowly missed them. Gail and I each held our breath until they reached the sidewalk on the other side. We shook our heads and made comments like, "If their mothers only knew," and "Kids ... what're ya gonna do?"

It occurred to me, though, as I drove home, that this is what we do with our passion as we grow. As reckless children, we throw everything into it, not worrying about the safety helmet, or all the bad things that could happen to us as we go. Then we learn the rules. After that, most of the time, we play it safe.

Now, I'm not literally advocating the no-helmet, crazy run across the thoroughfare dragging the bicycle built for two. No, I'd kill my girls if I saw them doing that. If they didn't die first. ;-)

I'm just sayin'.