My Bike...Gave Me Life

by Wendy Campbell
(New Brunswick, Canada)

My Sister & I

I raised two beautiful children on my own.
I worked hard everyday to provide for them financially for 20 years.

My extra time was spent with my children trying to be a good mom, although my heart ached for friendships or even a possible relationship. I felt it to be selfish of me to lead a social life outside my children as I worked so much and our time together was limited.

Eventually my daughter moved out, my son moved out....then I did meet someone shortly after and we fell in love. He told me less then two years into the relationship, he didn't love me no more. Heartbroken, wounded, and with a broken spirit, I found myself alone for the first time in my life.
I felt so empty and dead inside.

I cried a lot....I was lost in life.

I bought my first bike on the advise of my sister who rides her own. I had for the first time realized I bought something for me....something that's all mine, and I deserved it!

My bike gave me confidence, empowerment, contentment, strength, pride, and fulfillment.
It stands for so much in my life...like what I was lacking, like fun and friends and feeling of being accepted and belonging. I soon found myself smiling again, laughing out loud and making plans daily - rather than not wanting to wake up every morning.

My bike healed me, my bike gave me life. I love my Bike!

Wendy