Just Because You're Right Doesn't Make It So

Okay, so I'm out riding my bike on the way to Walgreens. I'm at a stop light and a man pulls up next to me, rolls down his window and shouts "Hey". I look over and he is pointing to his head. Now I know that means he is deeply concerned for my wellbeing because I don't have my helmet on. He continues in his very indignent manner to lecture me at a two minute traffic light on the dangers of riding without helmets. Is he right? It's all in one's perspective. Let me give you my mine:

1. We are all going to die. Maybe harsh, but the fact nonetheless
2. I wasn't born yesterday
3. I would NEVER advocate to anyone not to wear a helmet. It is the smart thing to do.
4. I would NEVER approach another rider and part my lips to school them on the dangers of riding without a helmet. They know.
5. It's a choice

But what if you survive a crash and become an invalid that your family has to take care of? My answer to that is, what if I have a stroke or car wreck that leaves me the same way? The point is this, I'm tired of being afraid to live and do the things I love. If you think about it too much, you would never leave your house. I prefer not to live my life in a confined reality. If I should die in a motorcycle accident (with or without a helmet), I will have gone out doing something I love. Would this man who lectured me be as concerned if I dropped dead of a heart attack while at work because of all the stressers? Hell no he wouldn't! As for my family? Years from now when I am long gone and my granchildren have children, I want them to tell them about their Jammaw. I want them to know that Jammaw always tried to stay true to herself and having a little bit of Rebel in her made her an interesting character. She always tried to do right by others and respect everyone's individuality.

So with respect to the gentleman that felt it was his duty to educate me, thank you for your concern,,,,,and just one last question. Would you have felt so free to roll down your window and give the same lecture if it had been a man on that motorcycle?