This past weekend, we experienced the season’s first snowfall, igniting a wave of excitement in my household. The children anticipated building snowmen, sledding, and sipping hot cocoa topped with marshmallows.
As is customary, families flocked to the local golf course, eager to revel in the winter wonderland. Despite knowing we weren’t supposed to be there, the allure of fresh snow is impossible to resist. It demands to be enjoyed, transforming the hills into vibrant landscapes filled with rosy-cheeked children and joyful laughter.
The day prior, in preparation for the impending snowstorm, my partner set out to find new sleds. We were determined to find quality ones; flimsy plastic sleds wouldn’t do. After visiting four different shops, we finally located the perfect sleds for optimal sliding enjoyment.
I bundled the kids into their warm winter attire and sent them off with their dad. Sledding at the golf course isn’t my favorite pastime. For one, the cold is biting, and the area tends to be overcrowded and hazardous. With each run, I winced, knowing that teenagers often take reckless risks. Children raced back up the hills while others sped down, many without helmets, and some were left unsupervised. It was chaotic and thrilling.
When near accidents occurred, I’d instinctively cover my eyes, exhaling a breath of relief. Yet, amid the laughter and excitement, one moment turned tragic. A beautiful young girl, full of joy as she raced down the hill, suddenly fell silent. The unimaginable happened, marking a moment that would alter lives forever.
Numerous adults and children had previously noted the dangers of those slopes. Yet we often dismiss the small risks we take daily—checking a text while driving, leaving a child briefly unattended on the lawn, or allowing multiple kids to jump on a trampoline together—while hoping nothing terrible occurs. How could anything go wrong on such a delightful day? How could it happen to such a precious child?
It could have been any one of us affected. In fact, there were several injuries reported. My heart goes out to that sweet third grader, and I am now praying fervently for her recovery.
As a result, I’ve decided that my children will not engage in sledding again. Or snowboarding. Or snorkeling. Or biking on the street. Or trampoline jumping. Or, well, crossing the street to catch the bus. Or taking the bus. Or climbing trees. Or swinging on swings. Or jumping on beds. Or participating in sports… Oh dear.
We find ourselves on a precarious precipice. While I long to envelop my children in a protective bubble, shielding them from every potential physical and emotional injury, I know such a task is impossible. Life requires us to embrace joy, laughter, and even the thrill of sledding. However, we must prioritize safety—let’s think of it as risk management.
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In conclusion, while we cannot eliminate all risks from our children’s lives, we can strive to manage them thoughtfully. We must encourage our children to enjoy life while simultaneously ensuring their safety.
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