It Could Happen To You

Unfortunately, one of the ways we learn things is the hard way. Nancy found out about playing tag on the play structure that way. She also learned a lesson about jumping from one of the higher points of the aforementioned structure of play, and landing on feet shod in Crocs. One of Nancy's foot twisted and fractured, resulting in a scene that required an ambulance and every available child to rush from wherever they were to the spot where she landed to bear witness to the scene. 

The good thing was that this was during our after school program, so this only amounted to about twenty kids, but it was still one of those moments that will be discussed for weeks and potentially years. "Remember that time when Nancy jumped off the play structure and broke her leg?"

"I heard she was pushed."

"The bone was sticking out of her shoe."

"Ewwww."

"There was blood everywhere."

"Ewww." 

She wasn't pushed. There was no blood. But there really was an ambulance. And a fire truck parked just outside the school. It was a magnificent distraction from the day to day monotony of COVID. This was no mythical invisible germ that grownups keep harping at us about. Her mask didn't do any good. This was full-on sudden deceleration trauma. 

The good news is that Nancy will be fine after several weeks on crutches, wearing a protective boot over her cast. She also gave every adult at our school credence to tell kids exactly what happens when you play tag on the play structure. Or wear Crocs to run and jump. And to avoid jumping from the highest points of the play structure because even that deluxe foam pad has its limitations. And most of all, gravity is real. So let's be safe out there, shall we?