A couple of months ago, in July of this year, I decided to take my kids on a much-needed trip to a theme park near Mumbai. Due to the unfortunate circumstances of our family testing positive for COVID-19 in June, we had to cancel our usual summer vacation plans. As the trips we take play a significant role in defining our kids’ summers, I felt the need to compensate for the missed opportunity. Thus, we embarked on a 2-day staycation to Imagica theme parks in Khopoli, just outside Mumbai.

Fatigue and Impromptu Plans:

At the time of deciding on this impromptu trip, I wasn’t feeling fully myself. The previous night, I had a mountain of work to complete, which kept me up until midnight. Given the lingering weakness from COVID and the exhaustion caused by late nights spent catching up on work, I shared with my wife my desire for more rest. However, despite my request, I found myself waking up early the next morning, unable to shake off the guilt of depriving my kids of their cherished childhood trips.

A Rainy Journey:

Setting off at around 6 a.m., we began our journey. The monsoon season had arrived, casting a somber and lazy atmosphere with dark clouds overhead. The slight drizzle added to the gloom, but we braved the possibility of heavier rain. Fortunately, the roads were relatively empty as we left the city behind. The downpour arrived just as we hit the highway, making it challenging to find a suitable place to stop for snacks and a much-needed coffee.

A Scary Moment:

Navigating the rain-drenched highway with one eye on the road, I desperately searched for a place to replenish my energy. The rain created a watery curtain, obscuring my view of potential stops along the way. Glancing at my kids, I noticed that they had fallen asleep, seemingly unaffected by the tense atmosphere. The crackling music in the car, possibly due to the bad weather or poor signal reception, merged with the rhythmic swishing of the wipers battling against the rain.

Then, It Happened:

Somewhere amidst this chaotic scene, fatigue caught up with me, and I fell asleep at the wheel. The car veered off the road, colliding with the metal barricade and producing a deafening noise. I jolted awake, the car swaying uncontrollably. The kids, startled and scared, were now wide awake, witnessing a situation they had previously only seen in movies. Struggling to regain control, I noticed an SUV speeding past in the next lane, its driver also wearing a look of shock and fear. After what felt like an eternity, I managed to stabilise the car, glancing back in the rearview mirror and expressing gratitude for the clear road behind us, free from the risk of being struck by another vehicle.

Regrouping and Moving Forward:

Shaken and with trembling hands, I slowed down the car. My kids looked at me, a mix of bewilderment and admiration in their eyes. While they forgave me with their forgiving smiles, I felt a deep sense of shame and immediately apologised to them. We pulled over at the side of the highway to assess the damage, grateful that all three of us emerged from the accident unharmed.

Deciding to Continue:

We made a collective decision to carry on with our planned staycation, refusing to let the accident dampen our spirits. Importantly, we agreed not to inform my wife, their mother, about the incident—at least not until we returned home in two days. I convinced the kids that it would only cause unnecessary worry and stress, but deep down, I knew I wanted to avoid facing the repercussions of my own irresponsibility.

Lessons Learned and Reflections:

As we resumed our journey, my mind, trained to address emergencies and analyse root causes, couldn’t help but reflect on the accident. Arriving back home, I eventually updated my wife, who surprisingly remained calm and understanding. The kids, with their natural flair for storytelling, added their own touches to make the retelling somewhat Hollywood-esque. Once the reporting and subsequent drama subsided, I called a family meeting to summarise the incident and draw lessons from it.

Analysing the Incident:

We delved into the reasons behind the accident and the shared responsibility among us. I acknowledged my primary responsibility as the driver, highlighting the importance of being well-rested before any road trip. Additionally, we recognised the secondary responsibility of my wife, who could have intervened knowing my condition, and the kids, who could have postponed the trip by a few hours to allow me more sleep.

Preventing Future Incidents:

To prevent such incidents from recurring, we identified key preventive measures. These included prioritising sufficient rest before embarking on any journey, always putting safety first, and using one’s veto power to alter plans when safety is at stake.

Self-Reflection and Growth:

I acknowledged my personal shortcomings that contributed to the accident. Recognising my own foolishness in thinking I could overcome fatigue and prioritise safety, I vowed to reassess my own limitations. I admitted succumbing to guilt and lacking the courage to assert myself when I knew I was unfit to drive.

Embracing a New Perspective:

In conclusion, this experience taught us valuable life lessons. It reminded us to delve deep within ourselves and acknowledge our limitations, which lie well within our control. While improving our roads and upgrading our cars remains important, let us not forget to cultivate a mindset that values safety and well-being.

Gratitude and a New Outlook:

Finally, I express my profound gratitude to all the divine forces for protecting my children and giving me the chance to share this incident. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise rest, safety, and personal growth in our lives.

Bottomline:

Why did it happen?
Because I was not rested

Who all are responsible?
– Primarily me because I should have rested well
– Secondarily my better half because she could have stopped me when she knew I was not rested
– Lastly my kids because they could have delayed the trip by a couple of hours by agreeing to my request for more sleep

What could have been done to prevent the accident?
– Rest well before any road trip
– ‘Safety First‘ always
– Exercise veto to change plans when safety is at stake

How did I allow this to happen?
– Because I am a fool :)
– Because I thought too highly of my physical superpowers
– Because I gave in to my guilt
– Because I did not have the courage to veto others

Summary:

1. While we focus on enhancing infrastructure and technological advancements, like better roads and improved cars, it’s equally essential to cultivate a mindset that values safety and honesty. Let us remember to work on our mindsets alongside physical upgrades.
2. We can solve problems or avoid complications by understanding something that is within us, and much within our reach to tweak and manage for growth and safety.