I was greeted with excitement as I pulled up to Haley’s house, as she ran up to me waving with a retro faded red wonder woman t-shirt on and R2-D2 socks, asking me to come play with her. Haley is one of our youngest Bike Dearborn participants; 4 years old. This one warms my heart every time I hear her sweet “thank you” shout-outs, as she pedals by me with her mom, Jessica, and her grandpa, Fred. Her first ride with Bike Dearborn was last season at our Beaumont ride, where we first meet. Jessica asked me to take a picture of the two of them and that’s when our friendship began.
Haley sports her Raphael Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle helmet, knee, and elbow pads when she joins us almost every week! Raphael wears a red scarf around his eyes, which happens to be Haley’s favorite color. Raphael happens to be know as “The Dynamo”. I would say that Haley fits most of his characteristics (I had to do some research): bold, original, sociable, and naturally are just a few to name! I asked Haley why she likes Raphael the best, and she said, “he saves people and fights the bad guys”.
I spent at least an hour and a half with Haley. We rescued her Pet Shop figures from being immersed in pink and green slim, played outside, and I got the opportunity to meet “Bosley”, the family’s German Shepard. Haley was full of energy, as she gave me the grand tour of her house! She was a gracious hostess offering me a tangerine and a bottle of water, as I sat on her couch to start the interview. Haley shared with me that her favorite part of our rides is all the playgrounds we roll by.
Not only does Haley love to ride her bike, but she loves to dance! I ended our visit with Haley and her mom sitting on her front porch, as she flipped through her favorite new book laughing and bringing life to, The Little Fur Family! Haley will be on her way to Sacred Heart come fall; wish her luck! I had many laughs with Haley and her mom! This one has a special soul:)
Jen (#corkergirl)
