But I cannot have one as I am in the midst of one of my alcohol free periods. Funnily, I do not tell most friends of these, even though I undertake them fairly frequently. I have always found the minute you mention not drinking or dieting to friends some find every excuse to offer or even pressure you to indulge. This one is for two weeks and I am nearly half way. Okay, really a quarter, but on Saturday it will be halfway. But back to the point of this post.
Driving back from school this afternoon I saw one of Boy 2's friends lying prone on the footpath. Others were around him, including his mother who looked very distressed. This little man is a gorgeous kid, full of spark and life and real bounce. Even though the others were there because of how well I know this boy I chucked a u-turn and pulled over, bidding both boys, now worried too, to remain in the car.
It was drizzling that fine, annoying rain. I ran over, mobile and umbrella in hand. He was on his back, his backpack still in place. Blood ran from his nose and he had a huge lump on his forehead. The front wheel of his bike had come off as he jumped a kerb, and he landed full pelt on his face. No time for arms to be thrown out, or anything. And he was not wearing a helmet. Ambulance was called, and we waited as he faded in and out a little (not too much), and tried to keep him calm. Luckily one of the off-duty ambo's is a Dad at the school and arrived quickly. As he is the wonderful paramedic who treated both Boy 1 with his severe allergic reaction to a tick and Wise Woman when she haemorraged, I knew the child was in safe hands. Ambulance arrived, and off he and Mum went to hospital. Both boys and I are still shaking.
Please, if your kids ride bikes, check them regularly and ALWAYS, ALWAYS make sure they wear their helmets.
A very sombre
