Wipeout

On Sunday evening I had the biggest scare of my parenting life. Caleb, the world's most cautious and sweetest little boy, had a brutal bike crash. He wiped out going downhill and landed directly on his face. Thankfully he didn't break anything, but his forehead, cheek, chin and mostly his nose were seriously scraped up. It hurt. Badly. It bled. A lot. It was a terrifying thing to witness, but we were able to make it home, get him cleaned up and now we are in the process of healing. I felt so bad for him. He was really just getting the hang of biking and starting to build his confidence. And the tough part is that he listens so, so well. I was walking with Odie in the stroller and he was going downhill - only 2 driveways and then he would stop and wait for me (his idea). A neighbour stopped to help us out post-crash, which was truly a lifesaver, and Caleb wouldn't let him drive him home until he was wearing his seat belt. That's how safety conscious he is and that's what broke my heart the most about the whole situation. One thing I didn't know about Cale is just how strong he is. I wouldn't have described him as tough before, but since this has happened he has put on a very brave face (helped out by ice, tylenol and a new lego set that Alan raced out to buy) and this afternoon he was determined to set out on a bike ride. I was so proud. 

It made me realize that my life as a parent is really just beginning. There will be more injuries, accidents, heartbreaks, misfortunes, disappointments....many, many things that my boys will have to face and I will be no the sideline wishing I could take their pain away. Kids are so fragile and life can be so unfair at times and there is no real way for parents to shield them from getting hurt. All you can do is  teach them to be wise and strong, trust them, believe in them, encourage them and be there to love them wholeheartedly the second they need it. I now understand that parents are fragile, too.

And now for some happy pictures. I can't bring myself to post a photo of Caleb's face right now, but the scars will be there for sometime so you'll see when things aren't quite so raw. And if you happen to see him in the next week or two, let him know that you've wiped out before too, and that you've heard from his mom what a great bike rider he is.

Before the accident Cale had been spending hours a day outside. He even invented a new sport - inline scootering!

Cousin time in the back of Greggy's truck!

Happy little brother

Post first spaghetti meal (always makes for a good photo op!)

This is how I'm getting some hands-free time these days! Whatever works!