Fathers Learn from my Mistake [MUST READ]

[peewee]

Learn from my mistake.

Last Friday I slipped off from work and picked up my little man from preschool to take him to the great outdoors. You see he has been mad I have been taking his older sister turkey hunting but not him. He is only 5 and I knew he wouldn’t really want to sit up and turkey hunt. Well, we had two stands that didn’t get unstrapped at the end of the season due to high water. Therefore I figured I would take him 4-wheeler riding, un-strap the stands before the big muddy gets to high, and just enjoy the day. I would let him work the box call, we shot the bb gun etc. etc. Well we finished the first stand and we move on the next one. This stand lies about 300 yards off the road. So we hike back there. Well I started climbing up to start unloosing straps and he wanted to come up and see. So I said I would take him up and we could look around and I would bring him back down and go back up and loosen the straps.

We begin with me right behind him, and as he climbs in the stand he says Daddy there are leaves on the seat. I could see the poison Ivy so I said don’t touch, I will get them. As soon as I got up there I went to grab the poison Ivy and heard a noise (we were in the stand no longer than 10-15 seconds). It was too late, he was falling 16’. I can only assume he thought the skirting on the stand was a wall or would hold him. I screamed NOOO to the top of my lungs. I can’t describe the feelings that flashed before my eyes. I ran down the stand and he jumped up hysterical. He was in a panic state and having trouble breathing. I told him lay down son, lay down. I called Mama and told her about the fall. I told her to get to the hospital and tell them we are coming. In my mind I knew I shouldn’t move him (he was crying his back hurts) but I didn’t have any other options. We are long way behind locked gates and honesty very few folks know where this stand even is. There is no way an ambulance could have gotten to us.

I grab him up as gently as I could and get back to the 4 wheeler. We get back to the truck and I call 911 and tell them if there is a cop ahead to escort me or follow me but I wouldn’t be stopping till I get to River Region. On the way there I could tell he was gasping for air and I kept talking to him and made him stay alert. We got to the ER and after CT scans and X-rays we were told he had four broken ribs and traumatic pneumothorax in his lungs. The Dr. said he would have to stay at least 24 hours for observation. He gave us a choice of staying there or going to Batson. Being that Batson specializes in little ones and this is my little man I opted for Batson. We to stay the whole weekend in the Batson but thankfully he is going to be fine. He will be sore for several weeks and have to have very little activity but thank God for protecting him from what it could have been.

Fellows I can tell you I have already replayed this in my mind hundreds of times and it is something I hope no Dad has to experience. My son will be fine but it seriously traumatized me. I know I will have a many of nightmares and have already broken down numerous times thinking about what happened and the position I put him in. I know I am very fortunate b/c we could just as easy be having his funeral today.

I write this for no other reason but to hopefully prevent an accident and having another Father make the same mistake I made. It is my hope yall remember my post before climbing into stands with you little ones.

Jim

[Luckydawg]

So happy that things turn out the way they did! Almost had something similar happen several years ago and it makes me cringe every time I think about it. Hope the little man recovers quick!

[Blackduck]

damn scary. I'm glad he is ok.

[deltahunter49]

I dont know you or your son but glad to hear that he is ok. I have a 3 yr old boy that thinks he is 5 and i couldnt imagine what i would do if i were in your shoes. Seeing any child in pain is heart breaking. I will say an extra prayer for your sons quick recovery.

[MemphisStockBroker]

wow... nothing like the pain when you see your child get hurt.
Glad that it is not more serious than what it is.

[SWAG]

Thank you God that the little man is ok. I feel for you. Terrifying!

[donia]

i don't have kids and that was gripping to read...gotta be rough on dad! glad all is well, aside from some minor mending and soreness!

[tombstone]

wow, shaking myself as i read this. so sorry you have to endure this, but as you already know, it could have been worse

[mfalkner]

Glad little man is going to be OK, and thanks for posting this. Sometimes guys think we should hide our mistakes but maybe this will help me or someone else take an extra second to think something through. I've had so many close calls that could have been tragic and could have been avoided.

Cold chills.

[1010]

Hurts for me to read that,, so very glad it turned out ok!! Thanks for sharing!

Prayer sent!!

[hotty toddy]

I can't imagine the terror that went through you when he fell. Thank GOD he is not more seriously injured!!!

Accidents happen, I am happy that this one wasnt more serious. This story will make me think when I'm out with my little ones, I know that.

[cagoodwn]

Wow man. Glad this story had a better ending than what I thought when reading. Prayers for a speedy recovery. I don't have kids but can't imagine going through that as a Dad.

[Seymore]

Praying he gets to feeling better soon.

[Wingman]

We will be praying for him and y'all, Jim. Glad it turned out like this and not worse. Thanks for sharing this.

[Odis]

Praying for a speedy recovery