Saturday, December 05, 2009

There are some events that make you realise exactly what is and isn't important in life. This blog is called the compulsive worrier because that is what I do, most of the time. I don't really know why - but I am the sort of person who worries if she has nothing to worry about.

Today Sian came off her horse during a riding lesson. For once Phil hadn't come with us as he was nipping into Chester to pick up the very last pair of size 7 Converse trainers in Sole Trader for Sian's Christmas present. As we headed off to the riding school I realised I hadn't got my phone but didn't go back for it as I assumed I wouldn't need it.

Sian was riding Bruno, my favourite horse. He's a gentle and loving horse but he can get overexcited sometimes during lessons. He squealed and shied at nothing a couple of times, but another horse was the one we were all watching as he raced round the school at top speed! Sian was riding really well and coping with B's occasional strange manoeuvres. Until during a canter he bucked once, unseated her, then bucked again and swerved on landing. She so very nearly stayed on but didn't....I watched in horror as she fell off and landed head-first. Everything stopped....

Sian's instructor was holding her head and neck still as she lay crumpled on the ground. The first aider arrived and we decided to call an ambulance as Sian was complaining of head, back and neck pain. I had to borrow a phone to call home and leave a message as I couldn't remember Phil's mobile number and Kate was out too.

Phil met us at the hospital and after x-rays we were told Sian was just badly bruised. She had been really brave and cheerful but was clearly scared. The worst point for Sian was that her much loved Hollister hoodie had to be cut off her!

The staff at the hospital were great, as were the riding school staff.

All sorts of thoughts went through my head while we were waiting to find out how Sian was. I had put off letting Sian ride for two years before I caved in - as a rider myself, i know it's a dangerous sport and that horses are unpredictable, even the best of them. I was wondering if I should have given in and let her start. I'm so proud of her riding skills; and that she shares my love of horses. I wondered if I was living my own dreams through Sian and putting her at risk. All the usual sort of guilty stuff you think when your child's been hurt.

I realised anew that my family and friends are the dearest things in the world to me and the only things worth worrying about. I'm so thankful for the good care Sian received today and grateful beyond words that she's going to be ok.

10 comments:

Annie said...

OMG Julie you must have been beside yourself when Sian fell. I'm glad she wasn't hurt any worse than bruising, although I'm sure she'll be pretty sore for a few days. Please send her my love and tell her i hope she gets better soon. Shame about her beloved hoodie. I bet that was more traumatising for her than the fall LOL

Love and hugs for you both

Annie xxx

Scriptor Senex said...

After a lifetime of worrying about minor things I too can confirm that the only things really worth worrying about are one's children.

Glad Sian has no long term damage and I'd try not to feel guilty. Imagine if you had stopped her horse riding and she'd done something 'safer' instead only to suffer an injury travelling to her ballet class! Parents will always find something to feel guilty about....

Akelamalu said...

It's your worst nightmare when something happens to your child. Glad to hear Sian is OK. Don't feel guilty m'dear it wasn't your fault. x

Kerri Farley said...

I am crying as I read this post! I know exactly what you mean. Brianna had an accident earlier this week too. I am so happy that Sian is OK!!!

Mabe said...

What a traumatic time you've had. Sounds like a nightmare of a day. So glad to hear Sian's ok but you mustn't feel guilty in the slightest. Life is about taking calculated risks and the pleasure she will gain from riding will far outweigh the rare injuries that happen. X

mrsnesbitt said...

OMG I read this with haste as I wanted to see that everything was OK!

HUGS hun You are right, ie what life is all about! I too worry, and worry that I worry, Dxxx

Unknown said...

I am soooo glad my Sian wasn't badly injured. Poor baby. I can imagine your scare.

cheshire wife said...

It must have been awful for you. Pleased that Sian is only bruised and sorry that it had to happen.

I used to worry about 'what ifs' that might never happen but eventually realised that life is too short.

Dianne said...

I can imagine the moment she fell
my son played football and hockey and raced bikes and ...

I am so very glad she's OK

hugs

Anonymous said...

You are so right, worrying about one's children is the worst! I am so glad Sian is going to be okay. But try not to feel guily -- my brother-in-law always reminds me that she could just as easily have tripped and fallen going down the stairs, with a similar result. Still, perhaps for the next few months Sian might enjoy something more sedate, like piano lessons!?

I too am the sort to always worry about something. One thing that I have always found comforting is something the pastor said at church: Over 95% of what we worry about never happens. I try to bear this in mind whilst I am going bonkers worrying about someone or something.

Take care and have a great Christmas!
Canadian Chickadee