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Ever Seen a Child (almost) Die?
Lessons from Aikido
After some of the Covid restrictions were eased, we could finally train again, outdoors. Turns out six foot apart is perfect for weapons training.
A dry spell in September had made the tree branches brittle. The kid was six and had just started training with us. I had just quipped to her father that she was bound to become a ninja.
We both turned our heads at the crack and the thud. She stopped moving, and so did the world.
Okay, I think. Eleven feet, maybe twelve. Should be survivable, it’s dirt, not concrete. Maybe a few ribs? Hopefully no punctured lung, torn spleen, or neck damage. She’s breathing and responsive.
Good.
Of course my smile had faded to an expression of horror but not fast enough to prevent her father snapping that it’s not funny anymore, she’s dying. From his profession he had a sound knowledge of human anatomy. Loss of urine could be a sign of spinal damage.
Not good.
I decided to make myself scarce but help however I could. As he was making the call, I helped him give directions from the map on my phone. I said I’d go lookout for the ambulance.
In reality, I couldn’t handle the situation. I walked a few hundred yards to the end of the…
