HUMANITY

Retired Mathematician Offers Free Bike Repairs for People

In these pandemic times, a much-needed and heartwarming story about a kind-hearted gentleman

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” — Mandy Hale

The theme for my essay was suggested by a friend of my brother’s who lives in the Maryland suburbs.

In Potomac, Maryland, one of his neighbors is an elderly and inspiring gentleman named Ric Jackson.

Last April, Jackson stepped in to help a neighbor who needed someone to repair the brakes on his daughter’s bicycle. The man and his daughter were overjoyed to see that the bike was in like-new condition.

So, it began that Jackson decided to continue his mission.

Jackson is an ardent cyclist and retired mathematician and has repaired over 650 bikes for anyone who requests it.

He has opened his home to the community by operating a bike repair shop in his garage, offering free services to everyone in the community, from toddlers to adults.

He describes a bike as “a thing of beauty.”

His biggest source of gratification is the joy on the faces of the children whose bicycles he has restored, not to mention the numerous texts thanking him for his efforts.

Closing Thoughts

We need more of these beautiful stories of individuals coming together, despite being told to keep their distance.

This gentleman is an example of a person who has found a new purpose later in life.

I will conclude with a quote by Michelle Obama:

“Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted — folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them.”

What are your thoughts on this inspiring gentleman? Please share in the comments.

A version of this story originally appeared on NewsBreak.

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