Oh the Guilt!

[SheFly]

Thanks, everyone!

I spoke to Dad this morning. Junior had x-rays and a CAT scan last night at the ER, and all came back clear. His memory is also returning. While he is bumped and bruised (and likely has a black eye and fat lip - but all his teeth), he is going to be just fine!

This wasn't an issue with his skills, nor was the crash at the race. Sadly, last night he hit a patch of grass/dirt which is what caused him to go down. Dad is still nervous about the racing, but we'll see how things shake out when they get back from vacation.

(FWIW - I don't think it was clear that the bonking Junior was not the same as the crashing Junior - two different kids!)

I feel better knowing Junior is ok. Dad also thanked me this morning for being there and taking care of Junior, and was understandably concerned about his son.

I do love their enthusiasm, and helping them out. Something like this, though, was just a bit scary (especially for someone with no children of their own!). I'm sure we'll get them all back together again, and all will be well.

SheFly

[mudmucker]

I can understand how you would feel guilty of course, since you have inexperienced minors under your direction for a few hours. However, after all the common sense rationalizations, deep down you realize that guilt is mis-directed. First, you yourself listed off your qualifications. You are providing the best leadership you can! And as noted by the the qualifications, it ain't shabby. Secondly, people make choices. You have not made these choices for them. And as you mentioned last night, you have an extra set of challenges, that being, you have some young testosterone riddin' folk under your wing for a few hours each week. You can set the best example you can for them, teach them all the right things... those young minds will still make bad choices. But I bet they're making a lot more better choices ridingwise than when before they met you. As for the father's reaction, who knows what other family dynamic lurks behind.

Your post is telling. You might be discovering that it really isn't for you. Unfortunately it might not be the end as the season is still young. You can always opt not to do this next year. If it's too much, preserve yourself ! We need you to remain the ebullient and positive person I met last night.

[Crankin]

I hope he was given instruction (from the ER) about post-concussive syndrome. If his memory is just returning now, he really needs to take it easy. Maybe I know too much about TBI from neuroscience, but I have a close friend whose teenaged daughter took a hit playing soccer and after almost a year, she is still struggling with academics/memory, etc. I know this is an unusual case and she has been cleared to run, etc., it doesn't take much. I am sure he'll be fine and maybe he will take your instruction better now.