<p>Thanks for the update. I’m glad to hear that your S is ok. I can imagine how nerve-wracking that must have been. Thank goodness for “Harry Potter” - what perfect timing! Please keep us posted.</p>
<p>Ghent is below Albany, maybe 30 minutes. I picked him up and drove him home. 7-8 hours in the car for these old bones ain’t nothing, but just knowing he was alive and well was everything. He is fine. Not to bring politics in here, but I was on the Cindy Sheehan thread before I heard about my son’s accident. I met her in Venezuela. She’s a very genuine person who is trying to do something good in response to the horrible loss of her son. If she missteps occasionally–I can’t fault her. Losing your child has to be the worst pain.</p>
<p>Bethie…what a day! Again, I only wish I knew as I drove up from down there to VT today and was in that part of NY right around the time you are talking about! I’m am SO glad that this all worked in your son’s favor. I always think about the split second luck of the draw…why some kids get to make it out just fine and under some other similar circumstances, it doesn’t work out well. Sounds like your son isn’t feeling too troubled by it if he is at Harry Potter (I think one of my kids saw this in Paris tonight and the other may be at the midnight show in NYC, not sure). Still, check to see if he seems affected by the experience at all. I guess since he walked away from it, it may not be as traumatizing but still, it could cause some jitters. At least he was very willing to drive again tonight in your car. Good sign (for his sake, not for your nerves, of course).</p>
<p>Thanks soozie,</p>
<p>He was a little jittery–understandable–but I thought a short drive on familiar roads would be ok–and it was. He has a lab test at his Dr’s today, so if anything isn’t perfect she will check it out. I didn’t want him to lose faith in himself.</p>
<p>Bethie, I agree. Considering I have a child who was in a very serious car crash resulting in bad injuries, I also was glad she got back into driving as soon as she was permitted to do so and able to walk (about 10 weeks later). Sure, I was very nervous, but it was important for her to do it. She has been driving ever since, though does go to school in Manhattan now and so isn’t driving all year round.</p>
<p>Bethievt:</p>
<p>I did not post yesterday as I had no meaningful advice to contribute, but I did stay up late hoping to hear some good news. I’m so glad that he escaped unscathed and is back home. It must be such a relief to you!
If he feels like traveling to Cambridge after this adventure, Harvard Square will convert to Hogwarts on July 20 to celebrate the last instalment in the series.</p>
<p>Marite, I recall when visiting Harvard with my D back in 2002, we thought the freshman dining hall (is that called Annenberg? my memory fails me) looked like it could be from the set of Hogwarts. Also, I recall on the tour, the tour guide explaining the way freshmen are put into Houses and compared it to the sorting hat in Harry Potter.</p>
<p>Soozie: I’ve read that Harvard and the Harvard Square merchants’ association are collaborating on this. I know the Museum of Natural History is on the HP itinerary, so perhaps Annenberg is as well. It is the building that’s people liken to Hogwarts.</p>
<p>Thanks Bethievt for your assurances of son’s outcome. It’s a dramatic reminder of how we give our children up to Providence. Bravest act in the world. And how brave of you and Soosievt to encourage them to drive again so quickly. Wise.</p>
<p>My children alkso saw H.P. last night, one in Atlanta with boyfriend, one here on L.I. I waited up until he got home at 3 am though I thought I’d be too tired to go to midnight show. Am going to 12 pm show today with H and DS who is going again.</p>
<p>For parents of 2011ers, how appropriate that Harry will finish his adventures just as they are going off to college. Farewell to all that (childhood) just like The Beatles breaking up truly marked the end of mine (I hesitate to say ours because many of you are probably too young to have this as a marker.)</p>
<p>Here’s to bethievt’s son and his stalwart mom!</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for all your supportive comments and offers of help! Kid is still asleep. Thinking it over, I realize how fortunate we were that he was only a few hours drive away so I could pick him up. I feel very, very fortunate and blessed right now.</p>
<p>To bad we’ll miss the Harvard Hogwarts. Grinnell has a Hogwarts-like former dining hall that I think they use for parties now.</p>
<p>bethievt, I just wanted to join in and say that my heart went out to you as I was reading this. I am so glad to hear that your son is safe at home, if a little jumpy after the experience. That Taconic Parkway is, indeed, a very challenging and unforgiving road. I know what it feels like to be far away from your kids when there’s a crisis. Anyway, just wanted to say that I’m happy it’s just the car that needs to be fixed and that your S is fine after that ordeal. Hope you both get a chance to rest up today!</p>
<p>Just saw this thread- SO glad he’s OK! Having been through my dd’s recent car accident, I relate all too well! And that Taconic is so serpiginous,
it could have been so much worse- thank goodness no other cars hit him!
Hug him!
Best to you!</p>