BikeA few weeks back, in a previous column in the What Would You Do Series, I wrote that my Dad had asked for a $3,000 loan in order to replace his aging means of transport. A few people commented that I should just go ahead and give him the money (not a loan), despite the danger that it would open up the floodgates to other family problems.

Well, I didn’t follow that advice. Whether out of selfishness, fear, or the voice of experience (telling me the risks outweighed the benefits), I did not give the money nor did I loan it. I wrote my Dad back saying that I didn’t have $3,000 to spare, but I would help as and when I could. And I gave some money for his birthday (in October) and some more for Christmas.

I felt quite a bit of guilt over this, despite the fact that I already have serious family obligations, including saving for my niece’s college expenses. But in my heart of hearts, I believed I was doing the right thing.

However, I definitely expected a negative reaction. So I was apprehensive to read my Dad’s response last week.

“Dear Rich,

I have my bike!

I am very glad that you did not have the money to loan me. It enabled me to purchase the bike on my own. That, in part, provided the motivation to find a way.

The list price of the bike came to $2,956.88. I had no idea I could come up with that much money!”

He then detailed how he drew on savings he had, my gifts, a manufacturer price drop, the local bike shop discount, and then several months of very frugal living. His letter continues:

“On December 27th, I walked into the bike shop saying ‘I want it and I want it now!’ (to their amusement). Sixteen pounds of pure machine. Worth every penny!

So can you tell I am happy?! I am keeping my old frame. Some people hang them on the wall, like art works. Maybe with a spotlight? Maybe not.

Love,

Dad”