IF I HAD A NICKEL...

How many times has this happened to you?... You wake up on a typical weekday morning to take care of children, pets, regular household chores... It's always a little crazy in the mornings, isn't it, trying to get everyone going and out the door? But, once the craziness is done, once the kids are out the door, the animals fed, a load of laundry started, you brew up a nice cup of herbal tea, maybe scramble an egg, and sit down for a nice, quiet, peaceful breakfast. Next thing you know the phone is ringing. It's your dad's wife calling from California to let you know your dad has been in an accident on his motorcycle.

Diane: "HE IS GOING TO BE OKAY." (Lots of emphasis on that part) "He is in the hospital..." Me: "Wait up... Hold the phone... His what now?! Motorcycle?!" Diane: "Yes. He laid his bike down riding this morning and he is in the hospital in Long Beach. But HE IS GOING TO BE OKAY." Me: "Is he? Was he even okay to begin with? Because look at the choices he's made! He's a 64 year old man who has never ridden a motorcycle his entire life, who all of a sudden decided to buy one (?) and ride cross-country!" Diane: "Would you mind calling your siblings to let them know? And make sure they understand HE IS GOING TO BE OKAY."

Children, talk to your parents! They need to know the dangers and consequences of their reckless behavior! I've seen a rise in the number of irresponsible, devil-may-care choices in Seniors recently. I dare say we may be looking at a new epidemic! No one wants to get the call that their 60-70 something parent has had an equipment malfunction while sky-diving, or blown out a knee on their rollerblades. What happened to the good ol' days of rocking chairs on the porch? Something must be done to stop this madness. Maybe we should start with celebrity endorsed public service announcements...

Based on the info I got, Dad has injured his right shoulder, arm, and hand. He's also broken his left thumb which will require surgery and pins to put it all back together. Diane was still two hours out from reaching the hospital so I will have more info later once she gets there and can talk to the docs. I've decided to hold my tongue and not give him a lecture. Looking something like this

for several weeks is punishment enough.

Seriously though, it could have been much worse and I am very grateful that HE IS GOING TO BE OKAY.