Spring Bounces

The first harbinger of spring in the Dailey household is the annual re-assembling of the trampoline. It’s a massive black thing with springs that could take off a finger, but it’s been more than a life-saver for this family. We inherited it seven years ago, from the Wilson family when they moved to Maryland and their new back yard wasn’t big enough to hold it. After attending a birthday party at our house, they asked if we’d like to store the trampoline for them, assembled, with full usage privileges. Images of happy bouncing children quickly juxtaposed in my mind with visions of broken arms and trips to the emergency room. However, the happy, bouncing images won out and we agreed with thanks.

When the Wilson had to move across country three years later, their movers forgot to pack the trampoline in the truck and so the family graciously offered to let us keep it. I am SO thankful for their generosity. I would have been too terrified to buy one; the visions of ER visits would have won out.

That trampoline has been the perfect thing for our ADHD and Sensory Processing Disordered children. And I frequently thank God for the generosity and spiritual sensitivity of Patricia and Dan for putting their trampoline in place in our home before we even knew that it was something that would be so beneficial for our children’s emotional and physical health. Bouncing on that trampoline reduces bickering, promotes social skills and calms tantrums. It boosts concentration on homework, helps get chores done (theirs and mine) and prevents emotional melt-downs. I LOVE this trampoline. Thank you Wilsons, again and again!

Kay (8), Ian (6), Emma (9),  and Tara (12) happily cooperate on the trampoline.