This is a photo of Matthew fishing on the dock.
At four years old.
Without a life jacket.
Obviously, I was close. Near enough to take a photo. But I didn't see him the one time he cast a little too fervently; I heard the splash. "Matty's in the water!" I yelled. Cory dashed down and pulled a panicking child out of the seaweed. We don't know if it's over his head there, but his feet were out from under him, so it wouldn't have really mattered if we didn't notice him go in.
I'm actually having a hard time writing about this. Not because of his fear, or the incident itself. But because I CAN'T STAND thinking about the what if's. It was a reminder to me to not be passive. Because the dangers are always there. And while I refuse to give into any kind of fear and trust that we are in good hands, I was nudged to remember that life is a gift. Which, even at that expense, is valuable. So are life vests!
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Yesterday, the doorbell rang, and my hubby left the gate over the stairs open. I was doing dishes. After a little while, it was too silent. I thought, where's the baby? I looked at the top of the stairs, and there was the baby, halfway through the gate. What if I hadn't listened to that little voice in my head?
You're an incredible mom. And I'm not just saying that. :)
Hugs, Jo. That happened once here, too. When Jack was about Bub's age.
Thank you, Laura.
Those little reminders sure can shake us up...
I left Nikayda in the car while at my mom and dad's when she was about two or so. It was winter, she was bundled up but I left the car on because it was cold. When I went to check on her, a while later (knowing she'd still be napping), she was awake and sobbing and all soaking wet. From her own sweat. (She didn't know how to unbuckle at that time.) Her hair was literally drenched and her coat was damp. (I have never before or since felt so sick to my stomach as a parent.)
While the car sat there, the heat got a lot warmer than I'd anticipated! To this day, I feel awful about it and it's hard to retell it.
Those moments are probably there to remind us to be thankful...because they sure work for that! I think I held her for the rest of the day!
Ugh. I know how you feel. Once, I was at my SIL's house and Logan was a baby. He was in a walker toddling around. Suddenly, my SIL remembered that the basement door was open. And Logan was there, literally teetering on the edge. It makes me sick to my stomach to even think about to this day. Still brings tears to my eyes.
That story being told, I have to say: there is something to be said for being the kind of mom who allows her child to play and learn without interfering. There is no question that you love your boys. And it is also apparent that you are not a negligent mother. You can't control and/or prevent everything.
(((Big Hugs))). Love you, Len.
Lessons for both parents and children. You'll remember that incident, Leanne...but so will he. He's bound to not stand so close next time...and you're bound to remind him about wearing a life vest.
I took my share of spills off the end of a dock. Perhaps you did, too? God's reminders for all. :)
I feel your pain, Lee, I'm the queen of the 'what ifs'. I sometimes make myself cry thinking about the what ifs, and not just what ifs that came close to happening, but just random ones. It is difficult being a parent, because you love so much that the thought of the what ifs can almost be debilitating.
You are a wonderful mommy, Leanne. :) I think we all have some of those stories- it does make you even more aware of all the dangers out there for kids. Never fun when they happen firsthand but you never forget them.
Thanks everyone. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I have the best friends.
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