School of Hard Knocks
One of the things I find hardest about parenting is watching my children make mistakes. I can see the eventual consequences of a choice they are about to make and I want to protect them. Recently, I talked to Miguel about this after a choice of his led to tremendous disappointment. I was frustrated that he hadn’t taken my advice and “Why can’t he just listen to me?” was on a loop in my head but I got myself together and sat down to give one of those After School Special types of parental talks. I explained that sometimes we have to learn things the hard way, that sometimes we only learn by making our own mistakes. For the record, neither of us are fans of this essential truth.
I have had a lot of time to reflect on this idea of making your own mistakes because I made a really bad choice last weekend and have been living with the consequences all week. While at the cabin with friends last weekend, we created a wicked sled run. It was a short hill but it was steep and we made a jump and it was exhilerating because it was a teeny tiny bit dangerous.
Click on pictures to enlarge
This is what happened to me on my first run:
Did I learn from this? No, of course not. Here is my second run:
Then, my Frilly Rabbit Friend went down. Here is her run:
Did I learn from these two disasters caught on video? No, of course not. There is, however, always that moment when we realize the consequences we are about to suffer for our choices. Luckily for all of us, mine was captured in the photograph of my third run:
I have not been able to sit down/lie down/walk/stand or exist comfortably since that moment of impact. Clearly, I broke or badly bruised my tail bone and my pride was damaged as well. I also know that next time I see my children making a questionable choice I’ll be less frustrated and less likely to scream, “WHY DON’T THEY LISTEN TO ME? THIS IS GOING TO END BADLY!”
The moral of the story is that learning the hard way is a huge pain in the ass.
Posted: January 22nd, 2010 under Uncategorized.
Comments
Comment from dee
Time January 22, 2010 at 10:19 am
Just hilarious! Sorry for your booboo, tho.
Comment from betty t
Time January 22, 2010 at 10:20 am
All I’m going to say is, I don’t go sledding anymore. Used to love it.
Comment from sarah k
Time January 22, 2010 at 10:24 am
ouch! but, so much fun on the way down!
Comment from Chris
Time January 22, 2010 at 10:33 am
Wow, your friend really knows how to safety roll! Thanks for the laugh, I really needed it.
Hope your tailbone heals quickly. Ugh.
Comment from leigh
Time January 22, 2010 at 11:04 am
lol
this is one of the reasons that i do not like that funny home video shows – because i find myself laughing and people are getting hurt – i burst out loud laughing at teh kristen video becasue of the look on her face after that run! omg the whole thing is funny and now i feel guilty for laughing … well at you
thansk for sharing – i think – hope the bottom is better
peace
leigh
Comment from leigh
Time January 22, 2010 at 11:05 am
i can spell really i can i just don’t take the time to check my typing 
Comment from Ali B.
Time January 22, 2010 at 11:27 am
I once broke my butt, too. Literally. Rough transport ride in Peace Corps, follwed with never having a single comfortable chair to sit down in. Hairline fracture of my tailbone. Sucked. But it was fun to be able to say, “this place broke my ass.” So there is always that.
Comment from Jac
Time January 22, 2010 at 11:39 am
You poor thing! (tehe)
I broke my tailbone walking down very polished wood stairs in my socks when I was a kid. Took an eternity to heal and really was a pita! Looks like you had some fun though 
Comment from Katherine
Time January 22, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Ouch! This is why I stopped sledding and took up the much safer sport of skiing. I hope you have some nice pain killers. Have you purchased cushions for the car and work? My dad had to use them after he broke his tail bone falling off a cliff on Mt. Ranier.
Comment from Kristin
Time January 22, 2010 at 12:37 pm
hahahahahahaha!! funny post. love kris schaefer’s laugh in your video.
Comment from Laura
Time January 22, 2010 at 2:03 pm
You need an innertube. No worries about your tailbone. The problem is explaining to your kids that it’s a “special” sled for old people: my kids don’t buy it since we go tubing frequently and there everyone has the “special” sleds.
Comment from Katherine
Time January 22, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Innertubing is so much fun. But it still hurts if a 250lb man lands on top of you in a crash.
Comment from Vikki
Time January 22, 2010 at 3:30 pm
I need an inner tube right now…to sit on…or to use while resting in the tub.
Comment from Kelly
Time January 22, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Sorry about your bum. Loved hearing Kris’ laughter. Thank you for that.
I’m telling you… inflatable tiny swim ring, only 1/2 full of air, will make your bum much happier while healing. We can paint it and hot glue sprinkles on it so it looks like a real donut for you, if that helps.
Comment from anthony
Time January 22, 2010 at 7:34 pm
My good ol’ friend…Broke-Ass Vikki. You’re always up for danger and daredevilry. Your body may not be, though.
Comment from Missy
Time January 25, 2010 at 5:58 am
Maybe more signs would help?: http://exurbanpedestrian.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/ottawa-the-city-that-fun-forgot/
Comment from leigh
Time January 25, 2010 at 12:54 pm
thye have those cushions at walgreens they are for people with hemerroids (sp?)
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Time April 23, 2010 at 1:32 pm
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Comment from bee
Time January 22, 2010 at 10:05 am
I need to label my sledding in Powderhorn on Monday pictures the same way– a bunch of us realized we’re not 20 anymore.