Man.

I’m thinking about that treehouse….imagining how to make it “baby proof”….figuring out how to keep physically competent maniacs from launching themselves over the edge.

And….that’s a problem.

The trouble with voicing fear is that, sooner or later, if something ever does happen, even if it happens in another place and time, even if it happens in a different treehouse in a different state….even if it happens to SOMEBODY ELSE….someone could come back and say, “See? He knew. He knew the danger.”

You don’t voice concern.

You certainly don’t write it down.

Now, I wouldn’t do anything to place my children in harm’s way.

I wouldn’t do that.

Finished out, that treehouse is going to be a monument to FUN.

It’s not a house of danger and despair.

It’s going to be a wild retreat.

But….I’m a worrier.

Time has proven that if there’s a weird unknown and a way to misuse something to find the dangerous aspect or event, my children will be the ones to do it.

They are all sweet as can be….they’re just adventurous and strong and very curious….and they can climb….and jump….and do some crazy things that make me worry about prevention more than I should.

The “no more monkeys jumping on the bed” story is a cautionary one…..but my children seem to take it as a call to ACTION.

They jump.

This treehouse is going to be great….safe and great….so once again, I worry without reason.

But….again….and always…..”but”…these kids!! These kids are crazy!

How do you protect against every random event?

Here’s some fodder for the folks who say, “See? He knew. He knew…..and he did it anyway.”

The only really safe thing is to never do anything.

And…..that’s the most dangerous thing of all.

Do something….even if it’s wrong.