Maple Trees and Broken Bones

Our national symbol. Autumn Reds, Orange, Yellow. The Logo found on the Crest of a famous Hockey Team. Maple Leaf Forever, a national anthem for the ages, where Springtime brings Yummy syrup for Buck Wheat Pancakes, sweetener for strong French Roasted Coffee and for my French Canadien Friends, Oeufs Poached en sirop d'érable.
Summer.
Maples are also for climbing. Adventures in the Maple Forest adjacent to the Townhouse complex, home to deer, fox and local wildlife. A haven to the Local kids playing out their fantasies. Manhunt and games of daring and courage.
How high can one climb before the Big Freeze. Don’t look down and if you do, suck up the fear. Be strong…. Fire department to the rescue.
Sammy had the courage, limb over limb. Reaching, stretching. Left hand over right, gripping the strong, textured arms of the great Maple. Legs tangling…holding on for dear life. Show no fear to those already safely perched in the observation post located high above the ground.
The arm of the great Maple weakened. The ground acted as a poor cushion. The left wrist snapped in two. Fire department to the rescue…again.
Kids and trees. Like bees and honey. “Why climb?” “ Cause its there.”
Now this was a first. The Triage Nurse at Centenary is well known and a familiar face with my 4 kids. Normally broken bones, separated shoulders, broken teeth, cuts and various other abuses to the body have stemmed from Hockey Wars.
Today was different. The great Maple weakens after years of supporting the adventurous at heart.
6 weeks wearing the autographed cast. Time to reflect on summers end and the up and coming hockey season. For the time being, Sammy will be watching from the stands. Finding solace in sipping bad Arena Hot Chocolate wondering, questioning why the great Maple defeated him.