To the Editor:
I’m an old man with a bike. Since my retirement, I actually ride my bike more than I drive my car. For much of the year, most roads around my home are my personal bike trail. I love living in North Cape May.
Recently, I took a short ride out to the bay, about a mile. I sat on a bench and enjoyed the seagulls and dolphins and I didn’t notice the land breeze was becoming a sea breeze and the wind was picking up.
When I got back on my bike, I was facing a 20-mile-an-hour wind in my face. I peddled hard for as long as I could. When I was about halfway home, I stopped, got off my bike and sat on the lawn. I was fine, just tired. As I took a long, cold drink from my bottle, an older woman in a nice car stopped and lowered the window.
“Are you OK sir?”
“I’m fine, just an old man taking a break.”
“As long as you’re OK.” And she drove off.
30 seconds later, a young guy in a well-used, older pickup truck stopped.
“Need a lift buddy?”
“Thanks, I’m fine. Just taking a break.”
Here’s the thing: Eight cars in a row stopped to help me. Eight people offered to help the old man. Eight people didn’t think how much time they might be investing in me if I did need help. Eight people showed me how blessed I am to live in North Cape May.
As I was getting back on my bike, the homeowner came out with a glass of iced tea.
“I saw you sit down but when the cars drove away, I knew you were OK. I stood at my window and watched car after car stop to help you. It was so beautiful, it made me cry.”
It was about then that some dust blew into my eyes and made them water.
I love living in North Cape May. You are my home. You are my family. Thanks for the joy that you bring into my life.
TOM MCMAHON
North Cape May
