28 June 2022

Accidents

Accidents can happen. That is so true. 

I seem to spend a lot of my time trying to avoid accidents. I am a careful driver who avoids taking risks. And when I am out walking in the countryside I am very careful with regard to muddy paths and climbing over gates or stiles or walking through farms where dogs might be roaming.

At home, we have a rubber bath mat with suction pads in the bath where I  normally take my morning shower. On Sunday morning, I had had my shower and was drying my manly physique with a fluffy bath towel when I noticed a streak of bird shit on the window adjacent to the bath.

I had the bright idea of pouring a jug of water out of the window in the hope that it might wash the offending bird shit away. I filled the jug and then put my right foot on the rubber bath mat. I went to stand up in the bath once more but suddenly - Swwwwish! The bath mat slid towards the taps and my standing left leg was bashed violently against the side of the bath. I thought  I had done myself a nasty injury.

Fortunately, the bird shit was washed away very easily but even now my knee and upper shin are bruised and a little uncomfortable. It could have been a lot worse for my mobility has not been affected.

And then this evening. Frances and Stewart were still in Stratford-upon-Avon for the funeral of Stew's grandfather Brian. I  picked Phoebe up from her nursery school which is close by and simply carried her home. 

In the back garden there is a small raised lawn. To reach it, you have to climb over a low wall - less than a foot high and the bricks are not cemented into place. I don't know exactly what happened but I tripped and fell onto the lawn still holding Phoebe in my arms. In that split second I discovered a way of falling that would keep her safe. She was still a little shaken by the experience. Briefly, I recalled my rugby playing days when such falls were routine but back then I was normally in possession of a rugby ball and not a precious granddaughter.

Accidents can change lives. I guess I should be grateful that I have survived this week's minor accidents unscathed and so has Little Phoebe. The look upon her face when we hit the grass is now etched in my memory. Silly Grandpa!

41 comments:

  1. Glad that the accidents weren't worse. Falling is so scary, especially when carrying a child.

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    1. I guess she saved me from potentially breaking a wrist Margaret - because I could not put my hands out to break my fall.

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  2. Your falls were completely without warning. As you et older our reaction is so slow that we are unable to break the fall. I've found that I have to slow down and be careful.

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    1. Don't worry Red - The Micro Manager will save you!

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  3. Good to know that everyone is well and fine, except for some bruises and scrapes!!! But for god's sake, man, take it easy!!!

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    1. I thought that was a song penned by Jackson Browne. Thanks Uncle Bob.

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  4. That's always my greatest fear when carrying a baby. I'm glad you and Phoebe are all okay.

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    1. I think of what might have happened and I am relieved.

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  5. Be MORE careful, Silly Grandpa! I know, easier said than done when you are already cautious. I'm glad you and Phoebe are both okay.

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    1. No matter how careful we are accidents can still happen. I hope I don't have a third accident this week.

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  6. Phew!! I am glad that both you and Phoebe have come out of this series of accidents without any (major) injuries! Well, I am exaggerating a bit; two accidents can hardly be called a series, and hopefully, there won't be any more such stunts for a long time. Well done you, for having kept Phoebe safe.

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    1. My brain was lightning fast as I twisted to protect her.

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  7. time to cement the bricks in!
    I'm glad you're ok

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    1. Thanks. They live in a rental house Kylie - so it's not really their job.

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    2. Ah yes, sorry I thought it was your place

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    3. I thought that, too, kylie.

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  8. Aargh! I remember similar accidents, one where I tripped over something unseen in the dark and twisted as I fell to protect the chocolate cake I was carrying, thankfully NOT a child. I was bruised from rib to ankle. Found the cause the next day and sued the council. Got paid enough to buy my first computer. My son slipped in the bath/shower after I'd cleaned it and grabbed the shower curtain rail for support, ripped it right out of the wall! He was unhurt, thankfully.

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    1. I think that all bathrooms should have sturdy grab rails. So many nasty accidents and indeed deaths happen in bathrooms. Did you save the chocolate cake?

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    2. Yes, the cake was fine and delicious.

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  9. Oh dear. Thank goodness Phoebe didn't get squashed by Grandpa.
    It is one of the signs of advanced age that you start to experience falls. Perhaps it is time to invest in a walking aid and make an appointment at the geriatrics clinic?
    (Just joking, YP. Glad to hear that both of you were OK and hope your leg bruises fade quickly)

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    1. I am glad that when Frances and Stew came home, I did not have to apologise for turning their daughter into a pancake.

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  10. Gosh that was a run of bad luck. Hope you get over the accidents and little Phoebe's memory does not recall it to often. By the way in the annals of time and grandchildren they always remember!

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    1. I am hoping that at seventeen months the memory will quickly evaporate.

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  11. Anonymous11:58 am

    Ah, you've graduated to the age of taking falls, rather than tripping over.

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  12. Oh my goodness what a run of bad luck but glad you have have no major injuries that would involve plaster casts. I'm sure Phoebe thought you were probably just playing another silly grandpa game and won't think any more of it

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    1. A grandpa game called "Flatten the Baby".

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  13. When we can look back and be grateful is the time for reflection. When we can't then horresco cogitatione.

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    1. We are forever learning from the experiences that life provides.

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  14. Well, the good news is, Phoebe won't remember it at all. I have a new pair of sandals that seem to easily get caught by the toe on sidewalk (yes, SIDEWALK) seams. I haven't fallen yet but they've almost tripped me up a couple of times. I'm hoping they get more flexible when they're broken in.

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    1. People who use the term "sidewalk" whilst living in England deserve to come a cropper in my view.

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  15. Despite our best intentions, they still happen from time to time. A friend of mine got pinned by a machine that ended up taking his life a couple weeks ago. Another acquaintance hurt his knee, flew home on an airplane the next day, laid down and died due to a blood clot to his heart at 37. Accidents happen and I'm just glad that all mine thus far haven't been lethal, as I'm sure you do too.

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    1. Two awful stories. My sympathies to the families of these two men - and to their friends as well.

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  16. I remember something similar happening when I was a very little girl. My mom was carrying me in her arms down the front steps early one morning, and there may have been some ice or something but whatever the reason, my mom slipped on the top step and fell down the steps with me. She kind of tossed me clear as she fell so I landed on the grass at the bottom out of her way. I was bundled up in a coat so I didn't get hurt, and thankfully she only had bruising. I think it frightened her pretty badly, though.

    I'm glad you and Phoebe are both okay. Accidents happen to us all, it's a good reminder to be careful.

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    1. Good job your mum did not drop you on your head Jennifer! Amazing how quickly she reacted.

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  17. I am sure your heart was pounding when you got up from your fall with Phoebe! Glad all were okay and no one was hurt! Now you will walk more carefully for awhile! Stay safe, Neil!

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  18. Have you been eating wine gums YP? Glad to read your both ok.

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    1. No, I have been eating whine gums with an "h".

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  19. No matter how careful we are, as we age, falls seem to happen. So glad that you and Phoebe survived yours without any damage.

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    1. Thanks Carol. There could easily have been injury - but no! When I think back the uncemented wall was largely to blame.

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