Some of you may remember that I participated in the "adopt an Ironman" program, and that my sons class adopted me. You may also remember that a huge part of my speech was about the importance of helmets.
In my speech I told the kids this:
"I know you may think, well I'm only going to ride up the street. Or I'm a good rider, so I won't fall. Well it's just like why we buckle our seatbelts in the car. No one ever gets in their car and says I better buckle up because I'm going to be in an accident today. You never know when it's going to happen. And alot of times it's not even your fault. So just like why we should always wear our seatbelts when the car is moving. You should always wear a helmet when your on wheels. Because you just never know. And it's not worth the chance".
Well the other night we went for a mtn bike ride and saw a roadside memorial next to a small tree on the sidewalk. I was perplexed because I hadn't heard of anything happening, so I asked around. I guess on easter a family had been picknicking by our lake and were heading home. The father was on a motorcycle, the mom and kids (2 daughters) following in a truck. They had just left the lake and were probably less than two miles from home. The fathers hat blew off, so apparently he turned to look back for it- instinct I'm sure- and he lost control of his motorcycle. He struck the tree and was killed. Now this tree is very small. The trunk cannot be more than 6 inches in diameter. Seriously! I'm actually surprised that the tree didn't break. Today when I rode by it I noticed that bark was missing, but thats it.
Anyway, the family saw him die in front of their eyes. Could you imagine?
Well I just got a call from Spencers teacher. She was in tears. Apparently one of the little girls is in SPencers class. Actually she was in his class last year, so I know her quite well. I guess she's been out until now. Well when she came back today she asked to speak to the class. So she stood up and told the kids "Mrs. AMos is right. You need to wear your helmets. If my dad had his on he would be here today. She was right when she said you just never know. So PLEASE wear your helmets"... The teacher - who is 8 mos pregnant and hormonal anyway- said she had to leave the room.
Ok, are you crying yet?? Because I am. I'm absolutely devastated. To think that a 9 year old girl has to go through someting like this... And it all could have been prevented by her father taking one little step.. sad, soo soo sad..
Anyway, I didn't mean to bring ya'll down, and I know I'm preaching to the choir... But if you ever get the opportunity to give a helmet speech, remember this story. Hopefully it will wake at least one person up.
have a safe weekend! And never take the day for granted.
Denise