Wipe Out

Liam has finally overcome his fear of his "big boy bike" and has been riding it all around the house. We took a few trips around the block together and he felt he was now ready to ride all the way to the park (maybe a mile away). We got all geared up: Sunscreen, Helmet, Water and Snack for later on. I put Beanie in his stroller and we were off. Liam made it about 5 minutes into the trip when we approached what I call a very scary corner. The corner is sharp and cambered and if you were to miss the turn you would end up in a very busy street. I have talked to Liam about the turn and he knew that he needed to wait for me before taking it. He did as he was told and when I caught up to him he went for it. I told him to take it slow... Unfortunately, momentum got the better of him and he went careening erratically around the corner, unable to keep his balance he tipped over and went crashing hard into the street. My worst fear realized. Luckily, it was an early Sunday morning and there were no cars about but still it was enough to make my heart stop. I ran over and picked him and his bike up. He was bloody and scraped and he cried for a bit (obviously scared). He sobbed "I think you need to take me to the doctor!!!" I looked him over and reassured him that he would be ok...we just needed to get back home and clean him up. I told him to take some deep breaths and when he felt calm, to get back on the bike. He did exactly as I asked and rode the bike back home where I cleaned, Neosporined and bandaged him up good as new. He decided he still wanted to ride to the park and he did--just getting out and walking the hilly parts. And actually on the way back he rode the hilly parts--proud of himself for being able to do it.

I was very proud of him too for getting back on the bike and not giving up. He has a tendency to get easily discouraged and quit and that always makes me nuts. If there is one thing I can't stand it is people who quit and give up. He told me that he was proud of himself too, which made me smile. He was also mighty proud of his scrapes and cuts and would show them to anybody who would listen, including the little blonde haired girl at the park..."Hey! Guess what just happened to me?!"