I Didn't Lose a Finger

After reading all the firework mishap stories, and this post at "An Ordinary Life", I reflected on a few occurrences of my youth.

I stepped on quite a few sparkler rods. You avoid them when they're red hot, but invariably step on one that is not visibly glowing.

While trying to hold a roman candle, due to my grip, it fired into my hand. It hurt like hell and took a long time to heal.

I had a substantial amount of bottle rocket misfires, including those that were from the pipe we were using as a launcher. (We didn't think it was pointed that way. Dammit, we were having a war and the fury of battle is confusing.)

While riding in a friend's 55 Chevy, his effort to throw a firecracker from the window led to it sailing through mine, into my bag of fireworks and it seemed to take forever for us to stop.

I had a firecracker go off in my hand. If you've never had this happen, the explosion immediately opens your hand, make it numb for a few moments and the eventual pain is like when you hit your finger with a hammer.

I didn't lose a finger, so everything was good.

Fireworks are part of growing up. So if you're concerned, get over it. Even if you outlaw firecrackers, young folks will figure out a way to blow things up without your guidance. Buy them, teach safe handling and a keep  a first aid kit handy.