Unintended Panic
- JM Kraemer
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
As some readers may know I have a habit of taking a single speed pedal trike out on the road. In fact the rides I take are pretty impressive for someone who averages around 390lbs at any given moment. Most rides are pretty normal with no issues. However this most recent ride was rather the adventure.
This was suppose to be a seven mile ride. Along a route I’ve taken many times. The only change is a side trip to check out the new Chick-fil-A in town. The ride itself started pretty normal until the drive chain decided to slip off. In over seven years of owning this trike. This is something that I’ve never run into. Thanks to the Holy Spirit I was able to figure out how to get things fixed and was back on the ride in short order.
The rest of the ride from that point on was pretty normal. No major issues. The second problem came out on the return. At some point the trike became a bit harder to pedal. Reaching a spot nearly .5 miles from home. I realized that my front tire was losing air. I had some kind of leak. Which also means I was in for a rougher time.
The downside to having a mild form of cerebral palsy is that walking, for me at least, can be a challenge. I’m fine indoors and in some distances close at hand. But for the kind of walk I needed and where I was at? That would be a challenge. Also given the time of the day I didn’t have anyone I could really call to help me out. For a moment in time I felt completely alone and helpless.
Not sure how much time I spent trying to walk and move the trike. I saw cars pass by with no one stopping. Even when it was clear that I was struggling both to walk and at some point having asthma issues. I spent more than a few moments in a state of unintended panic because I wasn’t sure on what I could do other than take my time and push though. All the while keeping my frustration in check as more cars passed by.
At some point I was able to find someone to help me get home. My girlfriend’s mom has a mini-van and was still out and about in town. However that wait was agonizing on some levels. A frustration sets in and you come to the grim understanding that no matter how much help you need. People are just not willing to these days. It is an issue you run into a lot in this life. Yet sometimes God shows you that good people still exists. Though you have to deal with way more challenges than you wold like.
I see lot of what took place that day with the same kind issues that I face with The Project. Seeking help so I can share the talents the Lord has given me. With few people willing to give me a chance. Those that do are true blessings in my life. Much like my girlfriend’s mom. A light in what could have been a very difficult time. The entire issues of both the ride and by extension The Project should trouble me endlessly. Yet I have found some comfort in knowing that I will always face some kind of uphill battle. That God will give me wisdom in finding real solutions to the issues at hand. Sometimes not every person (or parish) is a right fit for the help you need. Yet God knows what those needs are and what the best options that can truly be helpful for what you are doing. -
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