🚲 The Broken Bicycle and the Kindness That Followed

In a quiet refugee camp in the Netherlands, a young girl named Mevan Babakar stood beside a broken bicycle. She was five years old, far from her home in Kurdistan, having fled with her family to escape war and persecution. Life in the camp was uncertain, and joy was a rare visitor.

One day, an aid worker named Egbert noticed Mevan’s longing gaze toward a bicycle that had seen better days. Without hesitation, he gifted her a new one. It wasn’t just a toy—it was a symbol of freedom, of childhood, of hope. For Mevan, that bicycle became a lifeline. It gave her permission to feel joy again, to ride through the camp with wind in her hair and laughter in her heart.

💬 Expanded Reflection: A Small Act, A Lifelong Impact

Years later, Mevan—now an adult—reflected on that moment. She realized that the kindness of one man had shaped her entire outlook on life. That bicycle wasn’t just a gift; it was a message: “You matter.”

She tracked down Egbert 25 years later to say thank you. Their reunion was emotional, a full-circle moment that reminded both of them how powerful compassion can be.

Mevan went on to write a children’s book titled The Bicycle, sharing her story to inspire others. She wanted young readers to understand that even the smallest gestures—a coat, a smile, a room for the night—can change someone’s world.

🌟 Lessons from the Ride

• Kindness is never wasted: Even if you forget the moment, someone else may carry it forever.

• Children remember love: Especially in times of hardship, small acts of care become anchors.

• Compassion multiplies: Mevan’s story inspired thousands to reflect on their own capacity to give.

• You don’t need much to make a difference: Egbert didn’t change the world—but he changed hers.