Purple-headed warrior

I have finally started riding my bike again after my accident. The delay was mostly due to the fact that I was still recovering and busy at work, not any hesitation on my part to “jump back in the saddle.” Although now, knowing what I know, I may have to find a different form of exercise. Let me get right to the point: my bike helmet makes me look like Special Ed. I bought the damn thing after my accident: I’d always sworn that the first time I had an accident that involved me hitting my head (assuming it was nonfatal), I would purchase and wear a bike helmet from that day forward. Of course, I must have subliminally added that the bike helmet would also have to make me look mentally deficient. There’s nothing in particular about the helmet that shouts “I have a disability!” but the combination of my punkin head and the glossy purple shell puts me a strand of drool away from riding the short bus. I would show you, but I already have to endure the shame of riding past people on the Pinellas Trail; I don’t think I could bear the indignity of even the slim possibility that people all over the world can revel in my shame.