Gary V. Powell, Author

Reilly, my six year old, took a big step toward adulthood this week. He learned to ride his bicycle without training wheels.

Monday afternoon, we tried it down hill on the grass on the front lawn. He did pretty well, but fell before he reached the street. I told him it was easier to peddle on the pavement. He tried again and made it down the lawn, across the street, and onto the neighbor's front lawn.

Now he was bold enough to try it in the street. He had it on the first try. I gave him a push, steadied him and he was off.

Now, by the end of the week, he's riding up and down the street like a wild man with his older buddies, Hampton and Connor.

But Mary and I can sense it, as we sit out front, sipping wine and watching him. He's taken a step away from us. That cocky smile as he shoots by tells us he's attained a sense of confidence that only comes with accomplishment. He's taken yet another step toward independence and adulthood. That smile says the street is his. That smile says the neighborhood is his. That smile says Dad I can do what I want and you can't stop me.

He's a big boy now!