Learning to Fall

I was watching the kids play around in the backyard last week. A has never been the most graceful creature, to put it mildly, and after a short while she took a tumble. I readied myself for the worst, because she usually leads with her head. She's had one split tooth, and who knows how many bumps to the noggin. This time, she didn't go down hard. For a fall, it was almost graceful. She has finally learned to fall.

It sounds silly, but it's a necessary thing to learn and it doesn't always come naturally. C has always been good at it. She tucks up, and lets gravity do its work. A hasn't exactly fought it, but until recently hadn't quite learned how to react.

The same thing applies metaphorically for all of us. We all know people who can't cope. It bothers me to be around people who can't deal when life extends its leg and trips them up. Even the smallest stumble can trigger a reaction so out of proportion that it's painful to watch. Sometimes, folks, you just have to tuck up, protect your head, and roll with it.


Then you get back up.