Most Popular Post

Monday 11 March 2019

A nudge

Our daughter was an infant and I was still on maternity leave. We lived in Buchans, Newfoundland at the time. One Friday afternoon after my husband finished work, he and I left our daughter with our friend and went to Grand Falls to shop. Grand Falls is about an hour drive from Buchans..


How nice to get away for a few hours! The demands of being a new mother had taken its toll over the last several weeks. Getting away for a few hours would give me a new perspective, at least that's what I thought.


We shopped around as we did pre-baby and relaxed as we ate supper. What did we talk about? The baby of course! That day, it was amazing that shopping for groceries felt new and interesting after being house-bound as a new mother.


The beautiful winter evening was darkening as we headed home over the road to Buchans. We talked about our experience of parenthood thus far and plans for the summer. We were within a few kilometers of home when it happened. We looked to the left of the car, a Volkswagon Rabbit and there it was, along the center line, headed in the same direction, next to the driver's side door. When I looked over and up all I saw was the underbelly of a huge bull moose.  At eye level I could see its knees. My husband was surprised but kept going, steady as he usually is in such circumstances. The moose kept going as he was too, parallel to and inches from us. We soon outran him. Eventually that night our hearts returned to their regular beats.


We left an infant that day, totally oblivious of the potential danger to ourselves and the impact it could have on her life. We realized we had decisions to make about her future in case we weren't as lucky next time. We were nudged by a moose so we did our wills to take care of our daughter’s future. A new perspective indeed!


20 comments:

Tabor said...

I wonder if this instinctively kicks in as most parents can think of nothing but their small children when they are away from them.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Phew! That would have shaken you both up a bit Marie, what an experience ✨

Anvilcloud said...

We narrowly avoided a moose in Banff National Park. They sure are big.

DJan said...

Wow! Glad it was only a nudge, and that your did decide on how to protect your offspring from harm, just in case it happened again. :-)

Rhodesia said...

Interesting post, quite an experience. Have a good week Diane

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

That was a close call with the moose. Parents take chances every day just leaving their family to go to work. Happy Monday, have a great day and new week ahead!

William Kendall said...

That brings things into sharp focus.

Angela said...

I had my in-laws living in town awhile we lived in the farm when our kids were little. It was great just to drop the kids there awhile I did my grocery shopping. When the oldest was in school it got better. That was a small town but it was nice to just be by myself for a few minutes. I imagine how nice it was for you and your husband to get away for a bit.

Bill said...

Wow, what an eye opening moment.

Debbie said...

what an experience...i can tell it had a lifetime impact on you!! sometimes, we need to be reminded!!!

Barb said...

Yes, parenthood brings us all sorts of new worries and responsibilities. The thought that life can change in an instant is scary but true. Those darn moose - ours in CO are becoming so abundant that they are a problem.

Joanne Noragon said...

Good moose! You did your job.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I am terrified of hitting a moose on the highway. Even a deer. But especially a moose. Close call!

Mage said...

I've never met one before, but that was a very good awakening.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Wow! Amazing that your husband stayed so calm in that situation, thankfully! I always enjoy your stories, Marie, and you always share a great message too... what a gentle wakeup call that was! Blessings to you :)

Retired Knitter said...

Funny how a new little life can change the whole of your life!

That was a close call.

Angela said...

Yes that must have been a very scary time!! I am very glad you both came out fine. Glad you thought about your daughter's future at that time. Prayers for your safety always!!

Barbara said...

Interesting story. You know I worked for estate planning attorneys most of my life and I always told people how important it was to have a Will and Guardianship papers for your child. Accidents can and do happen. I'm so glad it wasn't your turn that day.

jenny_o said...

Good thing it was a figurative nudge, only. Whew. But what a story!!

baili said...

we don't have moose around here nor i ever encountered with one in my native town so reading this made me nervous

you mean these creatures are as dangerous that they are threat to life ?
oh my

i can so relate your break from motherhood for a day ,it really seems good for not a mom but for child to whom she is looking after as with fresh mind and more energy she can attend the baby with more strength physical and mental.