Charlotte's Lair

Unexpected benefits!

Now that winter has drawn back and the ground has bared itself once again, I ride with my boy on an ATV more freely. The ATV was something I always wanted but could never afford. I had been struggling to get my plow truck running and that failed. I had been paying a person to plow me out but that was expensive and I couldn't help but try to shovel myself out by hand which sucked because I live about a hundred meters off the road. Yes, shoveling sucks. (We can get a lot of snow) I know, I keep justifying why I spent so much for such a vehicle, and to be honest, it has been paying for itself in ways I did not expect, which is the point of this entry. First, let me tell you that my boy is special needs and nine years old. We have been struggling to potty train him with very little success. The teachers were at wits end, I think. We would get notes saying another bad day potty training and have spare clothes put on. One day, I wrote the teacher and said I would give him a ride on the ATV if he stayed dry. Not that day, but the next he stayed dry. Then the whole week. Now, he has occasional accidents but I give him a ride for about an hour. Who knew it would be such an effective potty training device?

He gets excited when he puts his helmet on. His little hands start flapping and he makes little grunting noises. "Go for a ride on the ATV!" he says. Of course, the ATV isn't meant to ride double but what am I to do? Such a thing is out of my price range anyway. I promise I will ride smart. Best I can do. That doesn't mean I am not taking a chance here, just saying I will not forget I am taking a chance and will ride accordingly. Unexpected benefits!