When being 'dorky' can save your Life
By Amber
@AmbiePam (86085)
United States
November 27, 2007 5:11pm CST
My mom teaches at a small Christian college. She loves her students a lot, and if not for that she probably wouldn't teach. She just loves to be involved with them and see them get excited about learning. She does have some favorites students as people, but not so much as how they perform in class.
A couple weeks ago one of her favorite students, Andrew who is 19, was riding on his bike on the college's empty soccer field. It was a regular bike, no BMX or anything, and he was just having fun with a friend. I mean you can't even ride that fast on grass anyway. However, he went over either a rock or an unseen bump in the grass, and went head first over his bike, hitting one side of his head very hard on the ground.
He was in a coma for almost 2 weeks, and then he died this weekend. Andrew was 19, a wonderful young man, and excited about his life. And he is gone now. His funeral is being held in the college's chapel tomorrow.
So my point is not to bum people out, but maybe it will make you remember to say I love you a bit more, I don't know. But I just couldn't stop thinking, if he had had a bike helmet on he would have been fine. The area of his head that was affected would have been covered. So I just would like to remind everyone and even parents, to make sure a helmet is worn while biking. As dorky as they can look, and believe me, a lot of them do look dorky I know, they really can be the difference in life or death.
I'm not trying to preach, but I just feel such grief for the family and friends he leaves behind. My mom was so upset so I can't imagine how actual family feels. I just want to maybe raise a bit of awareness that even if something is inconvenient or dorky, it's certainly better than ceasing to exist.
7 people like this
9 responses
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
27 Nov 07
That's a sad loss of a young and vibrant life. Your discussion is a good reminder though, for wearing a bike helmet. I've been meaning to buy some for my husband and I, and we always forget until we're out riding. I'm putting bike helmets on my Christmas list for sure. Thanks for the reminder.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (86085)
• United States
28 Nov 07
I'm glad I could remind someone to get a helmet. I used to laugh when I'd see someone riding down the road on a bike with a helmet on, because it was one of those new ones that look almost like a bicycle seat. I don't think I'll be laughing anymore.
1 person likes this
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
2 Dec 07
I did it, I've ordered a couple of bike helmets for Christmas, and now the next bike ride will be safer. The one I ordered had a good user rating, and one person who said he weighed 250 lbs. and bit a bump in the road which threw him over the handlebars so he landed on his head. He believes this helmet saved his life.
@AmberNormandin (883)
• United States
28 Nov 07
wow, that is so sad! i agree 100 % with helmets. They are made for a reason, to protect, so they should be used. Im going to get Courtney one soon because she does have a little tricycle that she rides around, but not very often outside. In the spring, or maybe for Christmas, she's getting one =] I hope his family has peace in the Lord, and especially through the holiday season, which is going to be hard.
1 person likes this
@AmberNormandin (883)
• United States
28 Nov 07
yeah, that would be awful to lose your child, but if it were your only child, man...
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157946)
• United States
28 Nov 07
When something bad happens to "the other guy" it is a silent reminder to play safe, say "I love you", hug a friend, call our moms, and sisters, and brothers. We do not own each other. We do not have each other in our lives for more than just a breath of time. The community where I work has been under a big strain of two critically ill children we are connected to, and it held us all in suspense. You are right about helmets, but I do not see them being worn. People are right when they say, "Do not play with fire", and "Wash your hands before you eat" and "cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze". Another small community in my area is mourning the loss of a twenty year old, trapped in a house fire. She was home to visit cousins on a break. A passing volunteer fire fighter warned the family, but she was trapped. Another fire fighter suffered second and third degree burns, and they still could not save this young lady. We need to be dorky, we need to play it safe. This is a holiday, I hope we all take care. Hugs to your mom, she must really miss him, as a student.
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
28 Nov 07
Oh my goodness what a horrible accident. Dorky or not, there's proof that a helment can save your life. I wear one every time I'm on my bicycle, and will continue to do so.
1 person likes this
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
27 Nov 07
How sad for the boys family. I know when I was growing up and riding a bike I never wore a helmet. My kids don't know how to ride bikes yet, so it is not an issue yet. They will be wearing helmets or they will not be on bikes when they learn how to ride.
1 person likes this
@kimberlylynn (978)
• United States
27 Nov 07
what a sad story, if only we knew in high school that the dorky kids would grow up to many times be the best husbands, friends, etc.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
27 Nov 07
Good point AmbiePam and I am sorry to hear about your Mom's student. I know that even though I make my kids wear a helmet, I don't wear one...
@bong_domingo (878)
• Philippines
27 Nov 07
that's sad, very sad... would like to extend my condolence to the family....
there has plenty of cases like this already, not wearing protective gear or something because it makes you appear rather weird or something... but i hope this becomes a lesson to everyone who might or might not read this... it's better to appear dorky or weird than not appearing with life :-)
1 person likes this
